



I»win 



A Prologue and Five Acts. 



-BY 



AYLYS lE^IOIEHIlvlOlsriD. 

^JB5l^ 




1875. 





A Prologue and Five Acts. 



-BY- 










5 M- 



Entered, according to Act of Congress in the year 1875, by 

H. S. Dement. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



-Axitlior's Prefatory HSTote. 

In the theory that Napoleon was simply inspired by the belief that he 
was the child of destiny, there is hardly enough, to my mind, to recon- 
cile the strange events and many inconsistencies of his remarkable ca- 
reer. I have therefore assumed that he was possessed of no less an 
hallucination than, that, as the peculiar child of destiny Ins course was 
directed, or rather suggested by an actual presiding deity whom he per- 
sonified as Fate . To her he conceived that he bore something ot the 
same relation as Achilles to Thetis, though recognising in Fate one pos- 
sessed of no less power than Jove himself. I prefer the word suggested as 
it is hardly in keeping with the character of Napoleon that he would have 
submitted to more than this even from the Immortals. 

The affection of Napoleon for Josephine is proverbial, and it is hardly 
necessary forme to affirm that perhaps there is no recorded instance of a 
higher or tenderer love bejtween man and wife, and yet, love, the strong- 
est passion ot humanity, in which the soul reaches nearest to the Infinite, 
was made to yield to what would certainly have been a lower incentive, 
had he not believed that all heaven and earth stood in waiting for his ac- 
tion. 

I have, it will be discovered, antedated and crowded events, and entirely 
ignored many of the most remarkable events and characters connected 
with Napoleon's career. To the Directors, Barras, Gohier and Moulins, 
I have attributed all the conspiracies that appear in the play. Eugene de 
Beauharnais, whose age is advanced, did not return with Junot and Jo- 
seph Bonaparte when the standards and Bulletin were sent to the Direc- 
tory as appears in the play but remained with Bonaparte. These, and 
other obvious deviations from historical accuracy will, it is trusted, not 
diminish the pleasure the author hopes the reader will find in this produc- 
tion. In the main it is true to history. 

The author claims that the tragic ending of act V is not far from the 
actual history of the death of The Empress Josephine, for the divorce 
was certainly the death knell of her happiness and the cloud that first 
dimmed and finally obscured the star of Napoleon. 

To secure as early publication as circumstances required it was found 
necessary to omit the foot notes and appendix, in which due credit is giv- 
en where the author feels indebted. 

AVLYS RICHMOND. 



Dramatis Persons. 

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE— the General of France, afterwards 

EMPERIOR NAPOLEON I. 

EUGENE deBEAUHARNAIS. 

JOSEPH BONAPARTE. 

LUCIEN BONAPARTE. 

COMPTE deB ARRAS. 

CARNOT. 

GOHIER. 

MOULIN S. 

LAREVEILLIERE LEPEA.UX. 

LETOURNEUR. 

REWBELL. 

RAGIDEAU. 

MARQUIS MANFREDIXI. 

AUGEREAU. 

ORIANI. 

LE GROS. 

POPE PIUS VII. 

JOSEPH MARIE ROSA deTACHER de laPAGERIE, afterwards 
VISCOUNTESS de BEAUHARNAIS, afterwards 
EMPRESS JOSEPHINE. 
MARY, the sister of Josephine. 
PRINCESS AUGUSTA. 
HORTENSE de'BE AUHARN AIS. 
EUPHEMIA, a Sibyl. 

Three members of the Council of the Five Hundred. 
1st Citizen, 2nd Citizen. 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Negroes— a Negress— 1st, 2nd and 3rd Secretaries— Car- 
bon— St. Rejeant— Limoelan— a little girl— Prelates -Members of Bona- 
parte Family— Lady attendants— Citizens— Soldiers— Courtiers — Pages 
— Servants. 



PROLOGUE. 



Is/LJL&mZTIGLTTEl. 



A magnificent bower looking out upon the sea. Inland, the background 
at first gently undulating, rises to majestic mountains. 

Looking through the bower the placid surface of the water is discovered 
sparkling in the sunlight, while at the entrance is suspended a silken 
hammock, beautifully ornamented with flowers. 

Upon the opening of the scene, is discovered a party of negroes in con- 
versation. 

ENTER EUPHEMIA. 

She advances to the centre of the stage, stares wildly around, and then 
looks up towards the clouds. 

Euphemia. But yesterday a heavy sky ! 

The clouds hung dark and ominous o'erhead, 
To-day how beautiful ! And to-morrow! 
Ah! Ah! 



10. 

Firist Negro (approaching.) 

What have the stars to say for me ? 

Euphemia. The stars are bid from mortal eyes to-day. 
Too bright a sun shuts out the great beyond 
No 1 ess than heavy clouds. 

First Negro. But cannot you see 

Beyond clouds or sun ? 

Euphemia. Ah ! who can see 

The great futurity ? 

First Negro. Then 1 will go. 

Euphemia. Stay ! let me look into your hand. 

A happy life awaits you, live in hope. 
Only a few dark days, and then, 

First Negro. What then ? 

Euphemia. Wait patiently and you shall see. 

Second negro advances and" puts out his hand. 

Euphemia, Black as your heart ! Begone I 
He steals away. 

All. Aha! Aha! 

Third negro advances. 

Euphemia. Mingling together in unwholesome veins, 

Bad blood of two becomes worse blood of one. 
A life all chequered with the bad and worse ! 
A fate alternately relieved by joy 
And pain. 

A Young Negress approaches, Euphemia takes her 
hand, gazes into it. Then looks into her eyes. Then without speaking 
leads her to the first negro, and, putting her hand in his: 

Euphemia. Your fates are one ! 

Whereupon all the negresses rush to have their fortunes 
told, and old Euphemia throws up both hands, and, catching sight of the 
approaching Josephine, {Exeunt.'] 



ENTER JOSEPHINE. 

Attired in a robe of pure white, her wonderful wealth of hair falls grace- 
fully about her shoulders. 

Josephine Pair sylvan bower! O can there be beside thee 
So lovely a spot in all the realms of earth? 
What magic pow'r could give such beauty birth? 
Such forms and colors exquisite, provide thee? 
Thou dreamy scene of happy childhood's vision; 
Shrine of delights supreme! Sublime Elysium! 

Beneath my feet thy richest carpets spread, 

Of green and gold, with bright hued flowers blending, 

And, as each petal yields its silvery tips 

Of morning dew, and opes its tiny lips 

To drink the sunlight, sweetest fragrance sending 

On every breath that rises from its bed, 

Celestial then, the bird songs overhead, 

With Aeol's softened cadences attending! 

The heaven kissing mountains rise behind thee, 
O'er whose grand heights the sun first peeps to find thee, 
Then rushes down in warm embrace to bind thee, 
Divinely tinting ere he will resign tliee. 

On either side, the enchanted woodland lies, 
Old fabled labyrinthine mysteries, 
Home of bright fays and goblin histories. 

Above, what grotesque shapes of beauty race 
Through the etherial azure depths of heaven! 
And, as the orb of day sinks in the west. 
Kissing the silv'ry wavelets sparkling crest, 
What crystal splendor to the sea is given! 
What tints sublime! What matchless colors grace 
Those Glory Pictures of mysterious space; 
Bright ruby forms bathing in clouds of pearl, 
Resting so gracefully in Golden World! 

How nature lavishly her gifts bestows! 
But list! 
Who comes to break upon my revery ? 



RE-ENTER EUPHEMIA. 

Who upon coming into the presence of Josephine, catches a view of 
her countenance, at first seems to writhe in violent contortions, then her 
face assumes an expression of wonder and astonishment. Taking her 
by the hand she gazes into its palm, then lifts her large eyes with a search- 
ing expression to the face of Josephine who in the meantime is laughing 
heartily. 

Josephine. What is so wonderful, Grim prophetness? 

Euphemia. Oh wonderful indeed ! Most wonderful! 

Josephine. Bad fortune is't, or good ? 

Euphemia. Ah who can tell what's good or bad for us? 

Your hand bodes evil, but your face 

As plainly speaks ol happiness! Yes, great 

And lofty happiness ! 
Josephine. How cautious ! 

'Tis best when one seeks not to be entrapped, 

Yet some great story wonderful would tell, 

Having not even semblance of the truth. 

But, proceed grave oracle ! 

Euphemia. I dare not 

Speak to you more plainly! Oh pardon me! 
Let me leave you! 

Josephine Stay! I command you speak! 

Since you my curiosity would whet, 
You shall tell on, if good or bad it be! 
You go not from my presence till I hear 
This strange hallucination through and through. 

Euphemia. Well, since you order it, I must obey— 

1 must obey I 

Your countenance does tell 

That destiny has sealed for you a fate 

Which, struggle though you may, cannot be changed! 

Soon you will wed. And ah I alas ! how soon 

Again husbandless ! And then ! 
Josephine. Then ! What then I 

Euphemia. You shall be Queen of France ! Yes more than queen ! 
And then, glorious life! Happiest days 



Shall bless yon! A mighty Emperor shall share 
With you his crown; whose power will o'ertop 
The highest pinnacle that the great throne 

Of France has ever reached unto! 

[looks in hand] 
But ah! Alas! misfortune then will come, 
And you more swiftly will be hurled down 
From your proud eminence than you arose. 
But loved more fondly in the day of death 
Than ever yet before, you will be mourned 
By all the world ! [rushes away.} 

Josephine. [Laughing] Good bye! Poor old insane Euphemia! 
Next time more pliant disposition seek, 
One who kneels at superstition's shrine , 
If thou wouldst win a name for prophecy, [laughing] 
Queen of France! Queen of France! 
The Queen of France! 

[Goes to hammock and reclines in it]. 
[Musing.] "Fate— Queen of France — Yes more than Queen 1 

And then glorious life ! Happiest days 

Shall bless you! A mighty Emperor shall share 

With you his crown! whose power will o'ertop 

The highest pinnacle that the great throne 

Of France has ever reached unto! 

But ah! Alas!" [Agitated.] 

No! I'll not believe it! 
Why do I listen to my silly tongue, 

Allowing it to prattle o'er the words 

Of mad Euphemia's prophecy? 

ENTER MARY, bearing Josephine's Guitar. 

I am too happy seeing you my Love! 

My darling sister! But you come too late 

To witness what to me was ludicrous 

Beyond expression. 
Mary. Sister may I know 

What so provokes your mirthfulness? 
Josephine. Oh yes, 

A prophecy of old Euphemia. 

Tis a strange story and I will tell you, 

But not now. Take my guitar, darling, and 

Sing to me. [Mary sings] 



THE ^FIPJLIR/ITIOIISr. 

Josephine awakes, comes down from hammock. 
Josephine. Where ! Where am I ? 

My hammock? Martinique? This is not France! 
Oh that dream ! That dream I That dream ! 

ENTER MARY. 

Mary. My Sister! Josephine! Josephine! 

Josephine. Oh, Mary I've endured an hundred deaths, 
And untold happiness in the same dream. 
Felt the bitterest pangs of suffering, 
And tasted joys more sweet than tongue can tell. 

Mary. Tell me, tell me darling Josephine, 
What has so cruelly overtaken you. 
Your sister fain would know and help to bear 
This sorrow. Tell me! Tell me Love! 
Dear Josephine! impart to me your dream 
And let me suffer with you, 

Josephine. Ah ! you know 

That cheerfully I would to you convey 
My every thought of happiness or woe: 
Thafrl have ever, ever shared with you 
My confidence, my dearest secret thought, 



After singing, Mary goes to the hammock and finds Jo- 
sephine (dummy ) asleep, her face turned toward the sea. She retires, 
without disturbing her, into the wood. 

And, as sweet music is heard in the distance, the Apparition is discovered 
through the bower as if rising out ot the sea: — . 

1st. "Wedding ceremonial of Josephine and Alexander de Beau- 
harnais. 
2nd. Josephine and Beauharnais with Eugene and Hortense. 
3rd. Beauharnais under the guillotine. 
4th. "Wedding of Josephine and Bonaparte. 
5th. Coronation Scene. 
6th. Parting of Josephine and Bonaparte. 



That from my soul I love you as I would 
Find love in heaven. But do you forget 
That from my youth I never could recall 
The simplest action of the brain in sleep? 

In dim outline my dreams somtimes return, 

But when that, I would grasp or give them shape 

They \ anish from before me, and 1 see 

Only th'incorporeal air — 

Oh it seems an age since last I saw you, 

And as I waked it was as if I passed 

From out another world, speeding o'er land 

And sea, as winged upon the winds, I sought 

Our earth, my home, our blessed Martinique. 

A wizard told me once 
That sometime I should see and understand 
My dreams. But did not say if in this lite 
Or in the next. Oh God ! delay that time 
If come it must, till I have passed this soul 
To thee! Or give to me more strength than now 
I have to bear up under suffering! 

Mary. Oh my sister! 

Josephene. Mary speak not of this ! 

'Tis not well to lend too much our sorrows. 

Help me to overcome this soul sickness, 

And let us trust to Him who doeth well 

All things. 

Exeunt. 

.A STORM. 

A Storm is heard approaching 
in the distance. It grows nearer and nearer, then clouds pass over 
the sea, as seen through the bower, followed by lightening and 
deep rolling thunder. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT I. 



Seventeen Tears are supposed to have elapsed. 
PARIS. 

SCENE FIRST. 
PALACE HEADQUAETERS OF 

GEN.-IN-OHIEF, BONAPARTE 

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE IS DISCOVERED ATTENDED BY 
A SOLDIER WHO WITHDRAWS. 

Bonaparte. Tis said that waen these eyes first saw the light, 
They gazed upon a piece of tapestry, 
Whereon were painted Iliad's tragic scenes, 
And that my father, on the bed of death 
Recurring to this circumstance of birth, 
Made honorable mention ot my name, 
And said, "Napoleon's sword shall one day rule 
And triumph o'er all Europe's haughty pride !" 
How has this thought coursed ever through my brain ! 
Dear childhood! Glorious youth! What memories 
Linger now with you ! What wondrous visions 
Hover over you, of future greatness 
And immortal fame ! How adown the years 
The one great thought of power reigns supreme ! 
— How do the boundless resources of soul, 
Armed with this thought, cry onward! Ever on! 



Why should I doubt its inspiration's source, 
When in my dreams it rings out as a voice 
Forth from the lips of the great goddess Fate? 

— Odd years do intervene 
Between her visits on my natal hour, 
Yet each recuring year adds one more star 
Unto the crown She holds above my head. 
— Seven and three, twice three, and seven, and three, — 
The divination of a unity ! ! 
Fll doubt no more! dacta Est Alea! 
Thou supreme goddess! Fate, my mother, hail! 
Lo! let the firm alliance now be sealed! 
Lead on! Lead on! 

About it now good brain I 
Thou never resting ! We are dauntless now 1 
Conceive and She shall help to execute 
The Indomitable will! 

[A noise ot quarrelling and strife without.] 

{Enter a soldier of the guard.) 

Soldier. General, a youth in hot impatience 

Waits without, demanding quick admission. 

Bonaparte. Demanding? Well, his name! 

Soldier. Eugene de'Beauharnais. 



Bonaparte. Admit him ! Stay ! Let him be attended 
ENTEB EUGENE, attendedby 



Bonaparte. What brings you here ? 

Your business must be urgent since you knock 
So loudly for admission. 

Eugene. Urgent indeed, thou vicegerent of death! 
For at the hands of this base government 
We have received such wrongs, as loudly call 
For honest reparation or revenge! 
And at the bar of God will louder call, 
For, pay as best you can, you cannot pay 
The price, that He puts on a single soul! 
My mother claims a husband at your hands. 
She has a son and daughter who both claim 



A father, murdered by your damned decree! 
Oh hell! Ope wide your jaws and swallow up 
The hideous monsters who now prey on France! 



Bonaparte. 



Ah/ Dare you to say 
That the Republic murdered your father? 



Eugene. Ay! more, I dare! For what now can I lose? 
Thousands, of the noblest blood 
That e'er gave strength to France, were by this same 
Republic which you praise, untimely sent 
To moulder in their graves ! The very earth 
Grew sick, being so forced to over-feed 
On human carcases ! 

But come I not 
To plead for France, or for my father who 
Now rests, thank God, beyond your wicked power. 
I claim my father's sword which recently 
Four soldiers forced away. For it was mine, 
And on it I have sworn to be like him 
Who nobly bore it in his country's cause. 
My mother bade me take that oath 
And I will keep it sacred while I live! 

Bonaparte. But what have you to plead* 

Why the great mandates of your country should, 
In your case more than others, be ignored ?, 



Eugene. That which should be a nation's gratitude, 
To one who ever valiently did fight, 
On many bloody, hard contested fields, 
In her defense, and who at last was slain, 
To appease the wrath of her most deadly 
And inveterate enemies! - 
That just right of protection which belongs 
To those who are the widows, daughters, sons, 
Of the defenders of their country's cause! 
Why, Sir, the spirit of true chivalry 
Robs not the dead, nor strikes afallenfoe, 
But, to his widow and his orphans, gives 
As strong an arm as to his own dear rights, 



Why gave you up my father's property, 

And held it not as lawful confiscate, 

If that he was a traitor, worthy death? 

And now you take his sword? 

What greater right to it than to his lands, 

The which already are surrendered to 

My mother, and my father's lawful heirs? 

What value is to you this sword? 

On whom would you presume to buckle it? 

'Twill weigh him down! Oh it will weigh him down! 

Not in the confines of the Republic 
Could be found one who would be worthy oft.! 
On him who sought to wield it 'twould return, 
Like the unmanageable boomerang, 
llather than serve the purposes of those 
Who murdered its true master ! 

Bonaparte. But should I give to you your father's sword, 

Which you now come to gain, will you consent 

To take an oath that you will use 

And wear it only in your country's cause ? 

Eugene. Why should I take a double oath? 

If one were virtuless, what greater power 
Would bind me in the second? Said I not, 
That on my father's sword, before high heaven, 
I promised to my mother I would be 
Like him? And who will dare to say that he, 
My noble father, was a traitor? Who 
Will show a brighter purer record, of 
A life so wholly given to defend 
His country ? This same France that wickedly 
Has murdered him ! Or think you that an oath 
Would record find in heaven, given to you, 
And one before my mother be refused? 
Bonaparte. Your mother certainly must be 

A very virtuous good old lady. 



Eugene. My mother is both virtuous and good ! 
Too good and pure that, from her eyes, 
Heartless and wicked men should cause to flow 



Such very floods of tears! 

Was't not enough 
That they should murder my poor father? 
But now they make to bleed afresh the wounds, 
By robbing us ot that which was his pride, 
Our only sure defense ! 

Bonaparte. Have you no fear? 

That with such bold . ehemence you upbraid 
The rulers of great France ? 

Eugene. General, I had just returned 

From St. Germain; And wnen I saw 

A vacant place upon the wad where once 

Did hang my father's sword— and too was told 

How in base mockery and sacrilege 

It had thence been ta'eu — 

And when my mother's weeping eyes, blanch'd cheeks 

And trembling iorm confronted me, I rushed 

Out in the street and swore I'd have that sword 

Or die in fighting for't? 

These arms are weak, Sir, very weak, 

Save in my mother's cause, and then I feel 

Strong as Hercules! Knowing least of fear! 

Bonaparte. Come to my arms, thou noble! noble youth! 
Happy mother, what else so ere betide ! 
"Whom gracious heaven has blessed with such a son! 
Happy the land that claims thee for her own! 
Oh! thou shouldst have thy father's sword 
Though all the powers of hell environed it ! ! 
Bring forth Beauharnais' sword 
{Exit soldier who returns bearing the sword.) 
There, I will buckle it upon- thy thigh ! 
Now, go and bless thy mother with the sight 
Of a most noble and most worthy son! 
But stay ! one moment, tell thy mother 
That 'twas not Bonaparte that murdered him, 
"Whose name she bears, but Bonaparte now craves 
A boon, an audience with the mother who 
Could bless the earth with such a son as thou. 



Eugene, (kissing sword) Oh. General! 'tis well to lose 

Else should we not know how sweet it is to And. 

[exit] 
Bonnparte. Ah! 'Tis too true! 

Too true the story of this noble youth! 
France lias passed through that unnatural fire 
Which well nigh has consumed her gold, and left 
But miserable dross! 

She had drained the intoxicating cup 
Of liberty, and it had made her mad! 
But the royal blood of her own children, 
Of which she drank so freely, at last cooled 
Her burning mania. 

Oli, Fate! Tliou goddess of my soul! 
Lead on thy son until he reach that height 
VVhere-unto he would climb ! 

RE-ENTER SOLD1EK. 

Bonaparte. This to the Directory ! Miscarry at your peril! 

[exit soldier.] 
Carnot is true as steel I 
I like not Barras, nor will I trust Uim. 
That man whose greatest satisfaction is 
Severity and persecution 
To his enemies, can have no friend so dear 
But who if not subservient to him 
In his basest ends, he'll sacrifice. 
Though he your shoe may buckle day by day, 
'Tis only that you wear it out for him. 
But make one step aside and you are lost, 
If he can ruin you. 

Barras befriends me 
Since I did help him on to his renown, 
But let my service cease, farewell Barras ! 
Carnot is noble, and to him I go 
For my commission into Italy. 
Give me sweet fame ! Sweet fame ! oh Italy I 
And I will soon erase remembrance sad 
Of the thirteenth Vendemiaire. 



ENTER ASOLDIEK. 

Soldier. The Viscountess de Beaufaarnais 

Requests an audience. 

Bonaparte. Admit her! 

ENTER JOSEPHINE. 

Josephine. General Bonaparte, 

I come to pay that tribute which belongs 
To him who saw more touching eloquence 
In youthful words and face, than soldiers saw 
In woman's tears. And in the name of him 
Who once so honorably bore the sword 
Which you have generously returned to us, 
His widow and his orphans, I thank yo*u! 
And if the vehemence and fire of youth 
Suggested bitter wr rds in our Eugene, 
Consider but his cue for passion, and 
From his mother's heart accept regret, 
For much I fear was spoke in anger. 

Bonaparte. Viscountess deBeauharnais. 

Too well I know the justice of the cause 
For which he spoke to censure him. Rather 
Would I praise his noble heroism. 
Through wreck of empire and the clouds of war 
How few are left of all the pride of France! 

Josephihe. Such generous pardon 

1 did scarce expect. For truth, undisciplined 
To gentle Words, urged on by outraged justice 
And impetuous youth, though it be truth, 
May give offense, stepping beyond the bounds 
Of that true courtesy which indeed belongs 
Even to passion. I can hardly hope 
But that Eugene spoke hastily, and owes 
A just apology, the which would I 
Most cheerfully and humbly pay for him. 

Bonaparte. Too proud am I for France, 

In that she should have left a son, 
Who dares plead eloquently for the right 



Against a fearful odds, nor counting costs. 
A.poI ogles from Eugene! Rather say 
From France that has so basely dealt with those 
Who most deserve her favors. 

Josephine But did he not accuse you General, 
As one being now in power? 

Bonaparte. '-The military 

Is but the automaton of nations, 
Subject to a higher power. Controlled 
And set to work at pleasure. 
The soldier only knows obedience 
Though it should lead him to the cannon's mouth." 
Eugene well knew this and his charges laid 
With words well seasoned at the proper door; 
For which most truly do I honor him. 
And, by your gracious leave and his consent, 
Would help him to preferments from the which 
He may have opportunity to show- 
To France and all the world, nobility 
And lofty genius. 

Josephine. Humbly do I thank you! 

You have to-day won a great victory 
O'er woman's will. For I did firm resolve 
That never more in France I would have hope 
For truth, for honor, or for happiness. 
O save our country, and in tribute we, 
Your subjects, will torever, ever bless you! 

[offers to go] 

Bonaparte. Stay ! One moment, pardon me ! 

Madam, give me but leave to be your guest 
And, though in France you find but little hope, 
You may find honorable friendship in 
Her General. 

Josephine. For such distinguised honor 

' I should only be too grateful. 

[offers to go] 

Bonaparte. One moment more ! You are unattended, 



My guard awaits your service. 

Josephine. For which I thank you! 

But, General you forget my schooling. 
The woman who could pass through lioWspiere's reign 
Hus little of that feeling now called lear. 

Still less with Bonaparte, Chief General. 

[exit] 

Bonaparte. Nay I Nay! It cannot be a dream! 

For not in brightest realm of dreams was ere 
Beheld such loveliness! 

O, if in any corner 
Of the globe thou canst be found, I'll have thee, 
Though it cost all France! 
— All France ! O beggars gift ! 
Crowns, scepters, power will I add to it, 
Till all the world shall do thee homage ! 
Thou shalt ne'er weep, the clouds alone shall weep, 
On earth a universal happiness 
Because thou shalt be queen! 
Lands, rivers and great oceans shall be thine, 
UJ Each vieing which shall yeild thee choicest gems! 

From unknown climes, birds shall bring sweetest flowers, 
\ //-And gentle falling dews distill therefrom 

Divinest exhalations! rare perfumes! 
Great ships I'll send, seeking delicious fruits 
From coast to coast, returning full for thee! 
Only when thou dost sleep the sun shall shine, 
For when thou wak'st there'll he no need of sun; 
Nor, in thy beauty's light, even when thou sleep'st! 

Ob, insufficiency ! ! 
Thou shouldst have heaven ! A coronet of stars 1 



SCENE II. 

THE DIREOTORT. 

UARNOT, BARRAS, LAREVEILLIERE, LEPEAUX, 
REWBELL, LETOURNEUR. 

REWBELL PRESIDING. 

JSewbell. Citizen Directors! 

Again have we assembled in tiie name 
And by the vested puwer of the Republic. 
Let only wisdom's counsels here prevail, 
That all the land may safety see in us. 
Yet tenderly we'll nurse our infant state 
Through all the episodes of growing strength; 
Happy childhood, ambitious youth, and too 
That full grown, noble manhood, which but ends 
In honorable virtuous old age. 
We are but yet a bold experiment, 
Which oft before has wrought a sad defeat. 
Let not our children write upon our tombs, 
These were the fathers who but vainly sought 
To give to the republic longer life. 
But to forego a formal, opening speech, 
Consuming time which is so precious now, 
Tis well we fall to work. 

Citizen Director Carnot, 
Have you report to make touching the strength 
And disposition of our armies? We are 
In waiting for't if so be. 

Carnot. Citizen President and directors! 

As last reported, all goes slowly on. 
Tis well I think that we do quickly make 
Some changes in our officers, and add 
New levies to our wasting armies. 
The very fate of the Republic hangs 
On instant action. Ere it is too late 
We must move on. 

There is one change that I am well convinced 
Both wisdom and true policy will urge; 
And, though it were my brother's fall, I'd say 



The great Republic calls, we must obey. 

I speak of our command in Italy. 

And now a brief review of that campaign, 

I will not trace the detailed history 

Of that unfruitful, indecisive war 

"Which for the last four years France has maintained 

Against the Austrian and Sardinian arms — 

Too well is known to all of you our loss, 

Too palpable our national disgrace. 

Yeai', by year we have barely met the foe, 

On narrow battle iields, mid deep denies 

Of towering Alps, and neath the craggy feet 

OftheLiguran Apennines — met, 

Eut not vanquished — only exchanged our blows 

For blows which we received. Till now, 

An army, weak, and miserably clad, 

Without provisions wholesome e'en for brutes, 

Relaxed in discipline, ambitionless. 

Cursing their country, and no less themselves, 

For its neglect, their own torpidity, 

Five and thirty thousand of such men as these 

And an imbecile for general 

Are all that now is left to us, of what 

Was once a noble army of brave men. 

Now look around you! What have we to meet? 

England, Austria, Bavaria, Piedmont, 

Naples, and some minor States of Germany 

And Italy — All joined to Austria's league. 

The Key is Italy, 

Held by the army of Beaulieu, 

Sixty thousand brave well marshalled men. 

What follows? 
Shall we retain as General, Scherer, 
Because there is no bold apparent crime 
On which to bring an accusation ? 
AVhat greater crime can generals commit 
Than failure ? Wouldst measure calamities ? 
— Then which is easier withstood, 
An army treasonably surrendered, 



Or an army lost through imbecility? 

No less we need, Directors, 
Than one who can at once inspire with life 
And a r.ew courage give our broken troops, 
With genius to command and lead them on 
To victory! And have we such a man? 
Yes! Yes! One whose genius is as plainly stamped 
As stars are plain in Heaven! Brave as Achilles! 
Cool, calculating, and yet burning with 
Intrepid valor in his country's cause! 
Ready to lead her armies, though it be 
Across a very continent of foes ! 

The conquerer of Toulon ! 
The great defender of the convention! 
Napoleon Bonaparte! 

With all due courtesy to others views, 
I do most firmly advocate a step 
Deposing General Scherer, and his place 
Give o'er to Bonaparte. 

Lepaux. Citizen Directors/ 

Let us guard well lest those may be deposed 
Whom circumstances have combined against, 
And though possessing ample skill at arms, 
Have made short progress. 

Barras. Citizen President and worthy Colleagues/ 

The very force and weight of argument 
Of worthy citizen Carnot must be 
To all apparent. France long has been disgraced 
By sad mismanagement in Italy. 
■'Tis well we look to it. 

Now press on every hand the combined force 
Of Austria and her firm allies. 
To right, to left, without, within, around 
And everywhere, the foes of France are thick ! 
Like London fog they permeate the whole 
Expanse of Heaven and earth/ 
Sleeping or waking we are beset with spies, 
Our councils filled with foul distempered knaves, 
Our people by old feuds held separate, 



■Sowing germs of discord quick'd i' the sun 

At every noon to some new faction/ 

Who knows but by tomorrow's dawn, 

We shall find safety only in defense 

Or flight, from some self constituted power 

Like that of the thirteenth Vendeniiaire? 

We stand too long fearing lest we oifend / 

The times demand quick action, let's amend/ 

The key of Austria's strength is Italy/ 

The key of our success is Italy/ 

Then let us strike the foe m Italy / 

First bring we home tnib Sckerer, long worn out, 
A rank oti'ense to France and to our arms, 
Supplant him with our Bonaparte, and give 
Young "Achilles" anela wherein to work. 
Then shall proud Austria una her allies feel 
What 'tis to meet the Ureal .Republic's steel/ 

Letourmur. oitizen Directors. 

Do we forget, our hero's but a youth 
Compared to those whose whose fame is no less great, 
Who have grown gray in honorable service/ 
The Corsican in truth deserves great praise : 
But is not Italy too heavy weight 
For strength so tender? Why, look you 1 pray, 
He is scarce twenty-live/ 
Now if so great importance be attached 
To what is wrought in Italy, are we, 
Are we to send a stripling to command Y 
Oh let us act with that discretion which, 
The great Directory of France should have/ 
Nor let our admiration for one deed,, 
Though meetest for reward, betray 
Us into rashness/ 

Garnot. Aye/ Almost as young, good Letourneur, 
As Alexander! Scipio! or Conde! 
Why, worthy Sir, our Bonaparte has seen 
A quarter of a century ! 



Mewbell. Pres. Citizen, Directors; 

Our subject is too weighty 



To find disposal in so short a time. 

I pray you now give o'er debate until 

We next convene. Meantime reflect, as well 

Becomes the step we are about to take. 

Exuent all but Barrets*. 

Barras Yes, yes, the best place for "young Achilles" 

Is Italy . Fray God he'll not return ! 
I help him to preferments, and the score 
But quits if I do help to pull him down. 

We'll send him where he may become 
A willing sacrifice for his country- 
Yes, yes, he shall be cooped in Italy. 
I'll see that he has few fresh levies— 
For 'tis not politic to force a draft 
On discontented brawling multitudes, 
Much less in a new government. 
The people would revolt en masse, and give 
More trouble than the foreign foe. Well put! 
I'll improve upon't in the Directory 

To Italy then, "Achilles!" 
Oh Beaulieu! have care for "Achilles!" 
Barras sends greeting thee! young "Achilles!" 

Exit. 



SCENE III. 

DRAWING ROOM OF VISCOUNTESS de BEAUHARNAIS. 
Josephine, Barras mid Augusta with party of ladies and gentle- 
men in conversation. Bonaparte at one side. 

{Exit all but Bonaparte and Josephine.] 

Bonaparte. Your pardon Madam I 

Twas not through want of due respect 
For those your friends, or you, that I was so 
Oblivious to their presence or departure. 
Your chart of Italy is most correct, 
Though small, as I have learned of it. 
When overwhelmed in thought it is my fault 
That I too oft neglect the courtesy 
That rightfully is due to— 

Josephine. You certainly are quite excusable ! 

For, in these day^, those who protect our land 
Have little time lor social intercourse. 

Bonaparte. Most true. Most, true 

And yet the object of my visit here 
Is of a nature least akin to war. 
But to dispose of prefatory speech 
I will at once reveal myself. 
I am in love. 

Josephine. Not always least akin to war, 

Good General, and quite as often brings 
Its victims least of peace. But may I know, 
Since you already volunteer so much, 
The one so highly honored with the love 
• Of Toulon's conquerer, the General of France? 

Bonaparte. With all my heart as all my heart is yours! 
Madame, I demand your surrender! 
Be my wife! 

Josephine. "Is it a jest you indulge?" 

Bonaparte. Look I as one who jests ? My life has been 
As restless ever as a storm tossed sea! 
Seeking something it could not find ! 



Seeking what it knew not, yet feeling 

As if it were no more than half itself. 

I said, "it is ambition." Sought for fame. 

And easily obtained it. Yet a thirst, 

Burning and torturing me ceaslessly, 

Was unquenched. 

Above the clang 

Of clashing steel, and din of frightful war, 

Still came a Soul cry yet unsatisfied , 

When, like an apparition, all unbid 

Thou didst appear, dear Empress of my soul ! 

— In silence looks the Supreme Goddess down, 

Still beckoning me on to other fields— 

Lo! in defiance of all power, above, 

Beneath, I claim yor hand, and at your feet 

Will prostrate all! Aye, even to a world! 

Josephine. Though to surrender I should be inclined, 
Who knows but fate unfortunately steps 
Between me and your terms? 



Bonaparte. Fate! Can it be 

She appears to her? (aside) 



ine. Yes fate, my General. 

But of this let us speak no more. 
Enough that fate forbids that 1 should be 
The wife of General Bonaparte. 



Bonaparte. Madame! Would you trifle 

With me ? 

Josephine. No ! No ! I am most serious. 

In Martinique a prophetess foretold 
My fortune. So far her words oracular 
Have been fulfilled; conclude I then, the rest 
Will yet be realized. 



Bonaparte. Give me her words. 

Josephine. "You shall be Queeen of Trance! Yes more than Queen! 
And then, glorious life ! Happiest days 
Shall bless you! A mighty Emperor shall share 
With you his crown : whose power wil o'ertop 



Bonaparte. 



Josepine. 



Bonaparte 



The highest pinnacle that the great throne 

Of France has ever reached unto! 

But ah! Alas! misfortune then will come, 

And you more swiftly will be hurled down 

From your proud eminence than you arose. 

But loved more fondly in the day of death 

Than ever yet before, you will be mourned 

By all the world! 

To Fate I bid defiance ! Be my wife!— 

Do you refuse me ? 

General, you are 
Cruelly peremptory! 



Nay sweet friend ! 
I would not be so! Await your pleasure. 
And in meantime my constancy shall prove 
My homage to the future Queen of France. 
E2TTVB, A PAGE 
Page. Le Monsieur Ragideau. 

ine. (To Bonaparte.) 

Tis some affair of business I, think. 



Bonaparte. Give him an audience, I will retire. 

(Bonaparte retires to" u a place in the drawing-room, unobserved 



Joeephine. Admit Monsieur Ragadeau, 



Bagideau. ) 



(Exit page.) 



ENTER EAGIDEAU. 

Bagadeau. There is a private matter, not indeed 
An affair so much of business, and yet 
One which more closely interwoven is 
With your prosperity and happiness. 
And, now with deference to that which is 
Your own prerogative unquestionable, 
I should be found unworthy of your trust 
As honorable Advocate, should I 
Not warn you of so hazardous a step 
As that you contemplate in second marriage. 
Your friends have looked with great alarm 
Upon this change, as one fraught with great 
Uncertainty. 



Josephine. But my dear Advocate do you, 

Do you share with my friends in this alarm? 

Magideau. Yes! Most truly yes! 

Madame, you are rich and independent. 
Twenty-five thousand francs is no mean sum 
To come in yearly. Too much to give away. 
You are young, beautilul. Yes beautiful! 
I am no flatterer Madame ; that you know, 
I am your Advocate, and I tell you 
You can command who e'er you will. 

General Bonaparte may be noble, 
Good, generous, brave. He is a soldier, 
And poor. He must abide the fate of war. 
He must be separate from you, live so, 
For 'tis a soldiers lot — Fame is not sure. 
There are few Causers, Alexanders few, 
Yet millions have untimely found their graves 
Seeking that which few do gain. 

Put each of you the same at stake, 

The case would then be diflerent. 

Ah then the scene would be most beautiful ! 

Linking your fates to take what is to come. 

But in the scale, all else being equal, 

Your purse would quite outweigh his sword and hat. 

Josephine. But he is honorable, brave, and true !" 
Worships me as his idol — Have I not 
A purse that's strong enough tor both? 

Eagideau. Let me suppose a case.— You marry— 

Children are indeed the fruits of marriage— 

Another revolution overthrows 

Our government. General Bonaparte 

Is conspicuous in the Republic — 

His property and yours are confiscated 

And you with yours, are left 

To do as best you can— perhaps to suffer. 

I have not overdrawn my case is good. 



And history but proves the instability 
Of new, yes, all republics. Besides, 
Ever harrassed with fear, the soldiers wife 
Knows not whether she be wife or widow. 

Josephine. (Lauqhinglg) What think you General 

Of my good Advocates advice? 
{Bonaparte comes forward and takes Bagideau by the hand.) 
Bonaparte. Monsieur Jlagideau 

Has spoken like an honest man, for which 
I can but honor him. 
I trust his fears may not be realized 
And that he will to us give his consent 
To continue his good offices. Truly 
Can such a man be trusted. 

Exuent. 

Enter from one side Augusta and Hortense, and from other Eugene with hat 
nd cane. 

Eugene. I am glad to meet you. 

Hortense. We to meet you ! 

But brother you surprise us / Why is this ? 
What does it mean ? You promised to remain 
And read to us to night, 



Still we are but 
The creatures of our destiny. I am 
Required at the headquarters to-night 
Of -General Bonaparte. 

Hortense. Do you know 

The cause for which he sends for you? 



Eugene. __ Well no, 

And yet I do surmise it is to make 
A solider of me. 



Augusta and Hortense. 
Augusta. 



A Soldier? 

No! No! 



Eugene. From what he did convey as his his intent, 
To my mother and myself, I must think 



This is his purpose in sending for me. 

Hortense. But dear brother you will not, go? 

Eugene crosses to Augusta. 
There is something deeper than sisters love. 

[exit.] 

Eugene. Nay Sweetheart! do not be so sad/ 

Augusto. And will you go even though it is his wish? 

Eugene, My will is yours, I have no other, Sweet, 

Save when you will less for yourself than me. 
The Generals wish is near akin to law — 
Yet it may he that I am wrong in what 
I have inferred. And still if I he right 
Let it not rest so heavy on your heart 
We must remember, Love, nay ne'er forget 
That sorrow hardly less than this did bring 
Me to your side. "What is, is ever best. 

Augusta. Oh, would you leave me for the bauble fame ? 

Eugene. Leave you? No! No! Nay, not for all the world, 
Though it should lie an offering at my feet— 
Oh, without you, how empty it would be. 
Augusta, I cannot conceive of heaven 
Without you. 

Augusta. Eugene! Eugene! 

Eugene. My Darling, 

Hear me ! Oh, for a tongue to tell my love/ 
Impossible/ On such a theme all words 
Are impotent. 

Not long ago I stood 
Beside the sea. A distant storm had lashed 
The waves into a furious mutiny, 
Until they rolled high up upon the beach, 
A mountain range of spray, sun kissed to pearls. 
Oh, 'twas sublimely beautiful, and yet 
It had but little charm for me, Dear love!— 



But yesterday I visited the scenes 
Of Fontainbleau, its forests and chateau, 
"Where man and nature join their highest art. 
And, as from scene to scene, my eyes did pass 
"Where other eyes do find such fair delight, 
A longing, then as now unutterable, 
Filled my breast for you, and all comfortless 
I turned away; finding more pleasure in 
Drinking the zephyrs wafted from your home . 
I measure all, weigh all, count all by you/ 
The heighth of heaven is measured by my love! 
The weight of worlds my love for you out weighs ! 
And every moment counts as nothing 
Or with you. 

Augusta. Dear Eugene, I know you love me, 

And oh/ do you remember that sweet dream 

"When, sitting on the border of a stream, 

I watched the swans so graceful at my feet. 

Gliding amid translucent waves, 

"While the fragrant breath of water-lilies 

Lingered with song of birds upon the air, 

The while I thought of you, and wished that you 

Were by my side? And how a little boat 

Turned round the stream's quick curve ere I had wished? 

How that you sprang from it to clasp me in 

Your arms and press your precious lips to mine? 

Until at last, the hour sped, I waked 

In parting from you? 

Let me tell you now 
"What followed this a few weeks afterwad. 
Not far from where I dreamed there is a lake 
Within the body of a lonely park, 
And flowing into it there is a stream 
Not unlike that my dream disclosed to me. 
And this I visited some two months since; 
The swans were at my feet, and lilies sweet, 
And song of birds, all just as I had seen 
Them in my dream, were now reality. 
I lifted up my eyes to look for you. 
--An empty boat came round the bend! 



The agony of that one moment was 

An hundred deaths! Eugene thou wilt not go? 

Oh God/ the empty boat! 

Eugene, Dear love, you say, 

This was some two months past, yet we have seen 

Many sweet hours together since that time. 

If this strange circumstance has meaning, 'tis 

That, my short absence o'er, I will return 

To find with you new joys, as we have had 

Since then. Good cheer! good cheer! I may not go, 

Yet if I do, 'twill be but to return 

And lay my honors at your feet. 

Augusta. For your absence what honor could repay? 
Think you I care for honors? Oh my Love! 
1 would not have you greater than you are. 
Great as the world calls great. To me there is 
Nothing so high but that you are above, 
Beyond it! Nay I could not wish for aught 
I do not find in you! What would you add 
Unto your excellence? Come, tell me Love. 

Eugene. Would you not see me honored among men, 
Commanding armies, wielding sword and pen 
Until my fame should reach throughout the world? 

Augusta. Those whom men honor are of little worth. 
God honors who are nearest like Himself. 
For one who rises many sure must fall. 
I would not see your greatness builded on 
Broken hearts and desolated homes, 

And, though your fame should reach throughout the world, 
I could not love you more than I do now. 
1 am content with you just as you are, 
And would not have you one jot dilferent. 

Eugene. Oh Darling, Darling, would that I could feel 
That I were worthy of such love as this !— 
Though, 'twas with pride 1 heard the General speak, 
I only saw my future as for you! 
Achievment else were hollow mockery — 
But come, 



38 



You shall know all without delay. Good bye ! 
Good bye! 

{offers to go.) 

Augusta. Eugene! Eugene! a moment, wait! 

There's something tells me we shall not soon meet- 
But what though Aveary months do separate? 
Tnere's nothing can separate our souls,. 
Your spirit will remain with me, and mine 
Will follow you where ere you go. 

Eugene, 
When on the held of battle will you ask 
Yourself, ere you decide 
To take a step wherein great danger lies? 
"What would Augusta have me do?"— And I 
Will ever ask, even in smallest matters, 
"What would my Eugene counsel?" 

Must you go ? 
I cannot, cannot give you up Eugene ! 
There are a thousand things that I would say! 
I cannot let you go! Farewell! 

{Exit Eugene. 
Eugene! Eugene! (falls.) 

Curtain Falls 



ACT II, 



SCENE FIKST. 
PAELOES OF MADAME BONAPAETE. 

ENTER A PAGE. 

Page. Madame Bonaparte 

Regrets she cannot give you audience 
At once, but begs you will remain until 
She comes. Meantime, permit me to serve you. 

[Exit Page. Beturns with wine, then exit.} 

Barras. The musty adage of u a prophet's fame" 

Does not apply it seems to one who drinks. 

Wine deadens, is dull mettled, 
Takes hold upon the senses, rocks to sleep. 
A sweet sleep! but it lasts too long by half. 
The awakening is terrible. 
What have we here? Ah! Cognac! By Jove! 
Oh thou sparkling beauty ! queen of my soul! 
Thou giv'stan hundred years in one! 

[Urinks.\ 

Married, and off to Italy ! 
So soon to quit her! oh most cruel speed! 
'Tis foulest slander on both sexes this, 
That full blown manhood could for such a cause 
Give o'er the very paragon of love! 
The perfect pattern! nay the Goddess of 



Pure symmetry! Ye Gods/ for fruit so rich 
I'd bid the world good night, and leave to fools 
The flimsy glories of uncertain fame! 
Wer't mine, this citadel of pleasure., 
I'd dwell in it, nor e'er be seen without, 
Though all the powers of earth did offer me 
An undivided tin-one ! 

Patriotism! Bah! 
The chameleon dish, well stew'd with fame, 
Seasoned all through and through with promises, 
Then served with golden spoon of Royalty, 
By those in power, to ambitious fools 
Whom they would use! 

Barras would prize a throne 
For what it added unto his desires, 
Nor risk too much obtaining it, since now 
His cup's well tilled! For, for your grave yard glory 
He could never find a relish. 
Then live ye for the future those who will! 
Barras in this life seeks to find his fill. 

By Jove ! this Bonaparte 
Has left rich pasturage for some man's colt/ 
I will look to't ! Who has a better right? 
l helped him to his greatness, 'tis but just 
He should repay me. I'll prescribe the terms! 
My choice of coin! I'll not take the Republic's 
But that less circulate of Royalty; 
Recently new stamped, but impaired ! i \a~^\ 
Oh, Beaulieu! trip this "Young Achilles"! 
And leave to me the sighing widow! 



Now to the Directory ? — 
If Bonaparte do meet success, why then 
Twas Barras raised him to his great oommand! 
But if he fall, as fall I pray he may, 
Since I do fear this growing Corsican, 
Then on poor Oarnot's shoulders rests the blame. 

And yet before she comes, 
A health to young '-Achilles" ! And yet again 



To that which he has left his friend! 

ENTER JOSEPHINE. 

Josephine. I do regret, Monsieur Barras 

To have kept you so long waiting! 

Bsrras. Pardon 

The untimely call ! The affairs of State, 
In these most busy end eventful times, 
Demand us unawares. 

Josephine. Monsieur, 

Have you advice from Italy? 

Barras. For this I called. 

The General through his brother and Gamet , 

Sends this to you, who to no other hands 

Would trust it than my own, being themselves 

Detained. I came at once to you, and beg, 

If any further service I can give, (hands her a letter) 

You will be pleased to grant the happiness 

Of such employment. 

Josephine. I am most grateful 

To you Monsieur, and if I feel the need 
Of further favors from such a friendship, 
I will be free to acquiant you of it. 

[exit Barras.] 

ENTER AUGUSTA AND HOKTENSE. 

Hortense. Oh mother more letters! 



Josephine, (reading) 

"My Darling Best of Friends. 

My brother will hand you this letter. I cherish for 
him the most intimate friendship. 1 trust he will also gain y uiir affection. 
He deserves it. Nature has gifted him with a tender and inexhaustable 
good character , he is lull oi rare qualites — I have received your letters of 
the 21st — you have indeed for many days forgotten to write to me. What 
then are you doing? yes my friend 'I am not exactly jealous but I am 
sometimes uneasy . Hasten then for I tell you beforehand if you delay I 
shall be sick — so great exertion combined with your absence is too much — 
Your letters are the joys of my days, and my happy days are not too 
many. 

Junot takes to Paris twenty two standards. You will come back 



42 



with him will you not? Misery without remedy, sorrow without 
comfort, unmitigated anguish will be my portion if it is my misfortune to 
see him comeback alone, my own adored wife! He will breathe at your 
shrine, and perhaps you will even grant him the special and unsurpassed 
privilege of kissing your cheek, and I will be far, far away — You will 
come here, at my side, to my heart, in my arms! Take wings, come! 
come! Yet journey slowly— the road is long, bad, fatigueing— If some ca- 
lamity were to happen — If the exertion — Set out at once my beloved one, 
but travel slowly. 

Bonaparte." 



Oh my own! my own! my soul! my life! 

Such letters! every day brings new token 

Of his unbounded love! How am I blessed! 

Will I come to thee ? Ask the tender flower 

If it will turn its fair face to the sun 

For life and strength! Or God's sweet choristers 

The birds, if they will sing for Him who gives 

The bright day for their happiness! Even 

As the soul would swiftly take its fight unto 

The source of its supremest ecstacy, 

I come! my love I come! 



How keen the edge of sweet expectancy, 

And how it pricks us on to realize 

What hope holds up to view! Yet, how often 

Do we in possession find less joy than 

In the dreaming of it ere 'twas ours! 

u No, No! Tis not true! This time 'twill not be true, 

We say; and yet how seldom does it fail! 

Augusta. Then if indeed most happiness exists 

In that expectancy which now precedes 
Reality, let us hope on ere we 
Do cheat ourselves of both. And if we find 
We had o'er estimated What did come, 
We've had at least the joy of looking for't. 
And are so much the winner. 



Augusta. 



ENTBE EUGENE {In uniform.-) 
Eugene/ 



Josephine. This is a happy surprise Eugene ! 
How long since you left Italy? 



Eugene. I came 

With Joseph Bonaparte, Junot 
And an escort that brought the trophies 
Of our victories. You letter too. 



Augusta. 
Josephine. How fares the General? 



Eugene. 



Josephine. 



Eugene. 



Eugene/ 



Did he not 



Express it to you? 



Oh, yes! But tell me, 
Is he indeed well ? For he ever puts 
The fairest face on every thing. 

He was, 
When I did see him last, in perfect health. 
Traces of care do seem to line his face 
Which only lend a finer dignity. 

Aside from this, 
And that he has some stouter grown, he is 
As when he quitted France. He bade me add 
The fairest words I knew, to what he wrote, 
And then assure you all was but a tithe 
Of that rice tribute he would pay to you 
Were words more eloquent. 



Augusta. 



And spake he not 



Of me? 



Eugene. After remembrance, and his love, 

He left the rest to me, wherein he said 

You would find more delight. To sweet Hortense 

He sent a hundred kisses and this ring, 

The one I give now and the others will 

Before I go. 

Josephine. So he remembers all ! 

How rich is he in every tender thought 
That lends to manhood the fair lustre of 
Of loves constancy. 



ENTEB A PAGE. 

Page. Madame Therese de Talien 



Josephine. Say that I attend her. 
Come, Hortense! 



[exit Josephine and Hortense.] 



Augusta. How slowly have the hours dragged, Eugene. 
Yet am I paid for all a thousand times 
In this sweet moment on your breast. 



For this 
I have many dangers braved, Augusta, 
Yet count them all as naught. I would add mor« 
Yea wer't to cross a continent of foes 
And every foe an hundred Austrian's strength! 
This moment! tais! awaiting me, would nerve 
My arm to wield a sword against them all. 



Augusta. Speak on, Darling, and oh let me hear 

The music of thy voice. It has been long, 
So long, since I have listened to it, love. 



Eugene. Do you remember how at my feet 
You used to sit, the while I told, 
In fondest words I knew, my love? And then 
Would hold up fairest pictures of the life 
In store for us? What castles did we build! 
What happy visions rose before us then. 
But none that equaled this reality. 
There was one look, sweeter than all the rest, 
You gave to me at times. It was a look 
You could not give unto another, for 
Your very soul was couched in it. There! There! 
It beams up to ine now! Oh my Darling! 
—How that one look has nestled in my heart 
Through all the weary hours of my absence/ 
How has it cheered me when all else was vain/ 
How like a light from heaven let down to me 
Illumined my path, and as a beacon 
Brought me back to you ! 



Augusta. Speak on! 

Oh there is a melody that lifts to heaven 
In your voice! Hove to hear you praise me, 
Not for the praise, but that it tells me of 
Your love. Speak on! 

Eugene. Nay, Darling, for you love, 

Your very beauty robs me of my words. 
"What eloquence could rise to such a theme ? 
Yet, since it does delight you, I will tell 
Of a fair scene in Italy, where oft 
I'v sat and looked, and dreamed, and wished for you, 
And that it were our home. 

A sun-lit vale 
Where perfumed grasses were all interspersed 
With flowers rare and rich. Fair jasamine, 
With breath only less sweet than that wherein 
Your kisses nestle, magnolias, dasies, 
Roses innumerable, heliotropes 
And thousand other sweets, the zephyrs bore 
Through bower and glen and circled round my head 
In eddying swirl. There seemed a melody 
Of song, to rise from grass and flower, and 
The birds caught this and carried it into 
The higher measures of their dulcet strains! 
Then it did echo through the glen until, 
Following down the fringes of the stream, 
That ran just through the center of the vale, 
It lost itsself upon the boundless sea. 

Here and there were little groves, 
Some larger and some smaller, lovely all, 
And tinted with a thousand hues of green! 
And some old trees, staid warders of the vale, 
Were rich with clambering arbutus, 
Or roses that crept up their massiva trunks, 
Or other vines, innumerable found, 
That sought the very topmost bows, to peep 
Out firstin loveliest blossom and catch 
The morning glory of the sun. 



Augusta. 
Eugene. 



Fair clouds 
Were ever blushing in diviuest tints, 
Casting the softest shadows on the vale 
Beneath. And but one charm was wanting. 

What) 



Your presence Darling! Then 'twould nothing lack 
Of heaven for Eugene . 

RE-ENTER JOSEPHINE. 

Josephine. ( To Eugene. ) 

Some deep design 
Is working now against us, something new. 
Barras is at the bottom oft again. 

What have you learned ? 'Tis well that I am here. 

Yes,for we'll have a trusty messenger. 

Wnat is't? Impart. 



Eugene. 
Josephine. 



A scheme is now on foot, 
Laid by the crafty Barras and Gohier, 
By which our General is to be betrayed 
Into the hands of Boulieu. 

Botot 
Is sent as secret messenger to day 
To help despatch this business. 

Of whom 
And by what means is all of this known? 



Josephine. Our friend, Therese de Tallien. 

But how, 
And by what fortune learned she this ? 

From him, 
Le Monsieur himself, o'er whom she has 
An absolute control. For know, he is 
At once a pliable and simple fool 
In presence of a pretty woman. 

Well then, he may be useful made to us, 
More than Barras and the conspirators, 



Josephine. 



For we have the most witching loveliness 
In France. 

Josephine. A pretty compliment? Our thanks? 

But we have little time for such to day. 

Eugene. Are others implicated in the plot? 

Josephine. Only by inference ; as he himself 
Is not committed in a way that we 
Could use as evidence. 

Eugene. "We will mature 

Our plans and by to.morrow after him. 

(offers to go.) 

Augusta. But why such haste away where go you now? 

Eugene' It is the hour when the directory 

Will be surprised with what we did bring back 

From Italy. They are in waiting for me. 

My duty done, I will return to you. 

(Exuent.) 



SCENE II. 

LUXEMBOURG. 

the :di:r,:ecto:r^. 

CAENOT— BAEEAS— LAEEVELLLIEEE LEPEAUX— EEW- 
BELL— LETOUBNEUE— SECEETAEIES AND SOLDIEES. 

Carnot Presiding. 

ENTMB A COUETIEE. 

Courtier. "General Joseph Bonaparte, Junot and Beauharnais, with 
tidings from the seat of war in Italy." 

Carnot. Immediately admit them! 
{Enter Joseph Bonaparte and Junot followed by courtiers bearing stand- 
ards. ) 

Joseph Bonaparte. Citizen Directors 

The General of France sends greeting you 
Trophies of victory from Italy, 
And humbly lays them at your feet, as at 
The shrine of France. 

Carnot. Sends he no detail 

Of affairs? Though quite enough to till our hearts 
With joy. the standards of our beaten foes, 
We are most eager but to hear report 
Of how 'twas all accomplished. 

Joseph Bonaparte. ( Taking the banner on which was inscribed the Bulletin. ) 
He has indeed great victories to tell 
And on our flag has caused them all to be 
Inscribed. {Meads on one side.) 

"To the army of Italy. The greatful 
country." (Beads on other side.) 115000 prisoners, 170 standards, 550 
pieces of battering cannon, 600 pjeces ot held artiiery, 5 bridge equipages, 
9 sixty-four gun ships, 12 thirty-two gun frigates, 12 corvetts, 18 galleys, 
Armistice with the King of Sardinia, Convention with Genoa, Armistice 
with the Duke of Parma. Armistice with the King of Naples, Armistice 
with tae Pope, preliminaries of Leoben, convention of Montebello with 
the republic of Gonoa, treaty of peace with theEmperor, at Campo Formo, 
Liberty given to the people of Balogna, Ferara, Modena, Massa Carrara, 



4!) 



La" Romagna, Lombard y, Bressera, Bormio, The Valentina, The Genoese, 
The Imperial Feifs, the people of the departments of Coreigra, of the 
Aegean Sea, and of Ithaca. 

Sent to Paris all the masterpieces of Michael Angelo, of Genercino, 
of Titian, of Paul Veronese, of Corregio, of Albano, of Carracu, of Raph- 
ael, and of Leonardo da Vinci." 

(During the reading of this report, 
Barras has shown evident signs of displeasure. 
Garnoton the contrary is greatly excited — As the report progresses 
all rise to their feet. C'arnot comes down from his chairTearing the 
clothes from his breast he aisplays a minature of Napoleon which 
he had concealed there — Holding it up to Joseph Bonaparte ex- 
citedly — 

Carnot. Tell your brother 

That 1 do wear him next unto my heart! 

(Then turning to the Directory.) 
Go lire your guns! Ring wildly every bell! 
Scream with the fife! Let the shrill bugle tell 
With clang of steel and the unmuffled drum 
And loud huzzas, that victory has come ! 
Fire, Eire the guns ! Let deep toned thunder roll 
Throughout Great France, filling each patriot soul 
With victory's shouts, uprising from the heart! 
Vive la Republic! Vive le Bonaparte! 

All. (except Barras.) 

Vive la Republic ! Vive le Bonaparte ! 

Shouting, Cannons, Bells and Drums without— Scene changes 
to Paris Illnminated. 

CURTAIN FALLS, 



ACT III. 

JSALUCkJCLm 

SCENE FIRST. 

Dra-wingroom of the Palace of* 
SERBELLONL 

Bonaparte and Eugene are discovered reading journals from Paris. 

Bonaparte. Contemptible! 

I cannot understand why tfaart this is O 

Permitted. It is within the power 

Of the Directory to punish as 

For any other treasonable words, 

For we are France, no less! and these attacks 

Against us personally, are no less 

Than against our France. 

Eugene. Such silence is no less 

Than tacit acquiescence, and but proves 
The sympathy of the Directory 
With those, your enemies, and jealousy 
Gainst you. 

Bonapaate. This is the import of it all. 

And yet cannot I understand why they 
Snould be so blinded to the interests 
Of France, nay even their own interests 



Most selfish, as to let this jealousy 

Creep in and so dispoil them in a night 

Of all the vantage they might borrow from 

The lustre of my star— They cannot think 

That I will patiently endure this long I 

Do they not realize that I have power 

To crush them, each and all, as with this hand 

I crush their filthy evidence of spleen ? 

(Me takes up another journal) 
There's language here that bears 
The spirit of Barras, unless I miss — 
Why here are his very words I Can it be 
Possible he should be such a bungler, 
As to permit his eccentricities 
Of speech to thus betray him in the print?— 
So — So-'I'll have a closer eye on you 
Monsieur Barras ! 

I never trusted him 
Eugene, you know 1 never trusted him. 

Eugene. And I myself do find a keen delight 
Now as ever in despising him — 

Bonaparte. That is unworthy of you Dear Eugene, 

Great Souls do not descend to it. Nor this 

Nor envy ever dwells within the hearts 

Of the truly great. In youth 'tis pardoned, 

But must be out grown. These wasps may sting us, 

And the sting may itch, ther's poison in it, 

So, it may fret the skin, but that is all . 

( Heads. ) 
•'He keeps the plunder"— Rare rhetoricians! 
To what do they refer?— "He does affect 
A heartless despotism, overrides 
All law. 

Why this^abominable. L*s 

To "affect" ! To "affect despotism" 1 
What masterly in venom ed slander thisl L- 
I like the knave and will requite him for't. 
I am humiliated, feeling that 



They have the power to annoy me thus. 
I never shall be truly great 1 fear. 
Eugene-it is these little things that fret 
And so disturb us, more than all else 
In the vicissitudes of life — Henceforth 
Let us look above and far beyond them . 

ENTER JOSEPHINE. 



[exit.] 



Eugene. Mother, 

There's none I may approach but you in this 
That weighs so heavy on my heart. Pardont 
And hear me: 

For years I have admired, 
Nay loved, nay more, adored Augusta. 
She has been the object of eveiy hope. 
Ambition, prayer. Oh, I have worshiped her! 
My highest pleasure was alloyed with pain 
Unless she shared it with me. Greater joys 
Were quite impossible, I could not know 
A happiness without her, but with ber 
Was continual ecstacy. 

And she — 
She loved me, it did seem, even as her life. 
"Think of me when you will," she one time wrote, 
"I am ever thinking of you Darling, 
And loving you, oh very, very dearly!" 
Enough. — She loved me then. — But now, no more! 

I do appreciate this confidence. 

You have my fullest sympathy, Eugene. 

But may I know the cause of all this change ? 

Eugene. When I know. I have been too fond I think; 
I shrined her goddess in my heart, and she 
Would soar now far beyond me. — I but pray 
That from her airy height she ne'er mav fall . 

To have entombed her, easier had been 
Than this, for then her spirit had remained 
With me. But now our souls are seperate 
Throughout eternity !— Oh God ! — 

Eugene!— 
Why this is madness boy ! Come, tell me all, 



Josephine. 



Aud I may help you. 

"What help can come 
To one whose life is gone? She was my life! 

'Tis said, the resurrection. 

But from this 
May no new life be born. All, all is lost! 



Josephine. Not all, Eugene, you have your mother left. 
And sweet Hortense. 



Josephi 



Eugene. Ah yes, I know, I know ! 

I love you very dearly, but my heart 
Did worship her! It knows no heaven beyond. 
For you, and for Hortense, I'll leave— a name. 

Josephine. Eugene 

Speaks like himself in this. And yet, why leave 
A name? Why not share your hours with us? 
You now are in the morning of your life,' 
And glory seems already hovering close 
About your head. You will be great, Eugene, 
And good, I trust. 

Eugene. Shall love step out 

And greatness enter? Farewell to glory 
Were much easier said than farewell love ! 
One is of earth, the other infinite. — 

Josephine. But come, you have not yet conveyed to me 
The evidence that she is false to you, 
You may be rash . 

Eugene. Bash! Hear me and then judge. 

As well you know, 'tis near what should have been 
Our wedding day, which was to celebrate 
Her quick return from Berlin. — 

Her absence 
Bore full heavily upon me, for I, 
It seemed, could only think or dream of her— 
With her, how different the sequel shows. 



Though, when she said farewell, she wept 
Eight bitterly— She must have loved me then. 

At first her letters in succession came 
As she had promised them. So eloquent, 
In sweet simplicity of Love, that I 
"Was lifted into rapture. Followed then 
Less frequent, shorter, without interest. 
Till, from my friends, I learned that she had been 
Attended close and constant by Botot. 
To day she did return, a week before 
I did expect her, and with this Botot, 
"Who was still near her, but an hour ago. 
With me she has not deigned to meet. 

Josephine. Eugene, 

I think that I do understand it all. 
Wait my return. 

[Exit Josephine.] 

Eugene. She almost bade me hope, when there is no hope! 
From such a fall as this we may not rise. 
A brilliant life will happ'ly shorter be- 
E'en as a falling star, whose light goes out 
"When its effulgence most attracts our view, 
So shall my glory through this little world, 
Blaze like a meteor in the firmament 
And then go out forever! 

Oh farewell! 
Farewell Augusta! now am I resolved! 

{He-enter Josephine, gives letters to Eugene) 
Josephine. This did I find in waiting for you. 

[exit.] 

Eugene. (Reads.) 
My Dear Eugene. 

I have just dismissed Monsieur Botot as I have no further 
use for him; having learned all that was necessary to assist M'me. Bona- 
parte in her plans to save the General from a plot that was to deliver him 
in person into the hands of the enemy. 

In as much as I have dismissed Monsieur Botot rather unceremonious- 
ly, since his attentions had become annoying to me, he may undertake to 
avenge himself upon you, and I thought it best to acquaint you at once 
with the situation. This will somewhat explain the past few weeks and 



my sudden return, till I can see you. Do not keep me long in waiting for, 
alter our separation, and the labor and excitement consequent upon the 
undertaking that has happ'ly terminated successfully, I am all impa- 
tience to meet you. 

"Augusta." 

Eugene. (Jan you ever forgive me 

Oh my darling! No, you shall not wait long? 

['Exit.] 



SCENE SECOND. 



nVEil^tm. 



PALA.CE OF SERBELLONI. 

The palace interior represents great luxury. Decorations,, rare 
paintings &c, &c, adorn the walls. Festoons of drapery cover th& 
ceilings, which are supported by marble columns. The scene is a 
large salon, divided into three rooms by marble columns. In 
room furthest back, a number of ladies and gentlemen. — In mid- 
dle room are discovered Josephine and ladies. In front room 
Bonaparte — Eugene — Augereau and other gentlemen, in conver- 
sation. 

Bonaparte. The Duke of Parma is unfortunate, 

But, lett where now he is, he'll do no harm, 

And will no doubt serve well our purpose, 

Carrying each order fully to its end 

Which we do execute. But cut him off, 

And give his dukedom to another, and 

He will ever stir up strife and institute 

Fresh intrigues. "Here he can be useful made 

But elsewhere only hurtful." Tis policy 

Without a compromise of principle 

To continue him in office. — 
Augereau. "But he is Bourbon, General, 

A Bourbon." 



Bonaparte. "Well then he is a Bourbon. — 

Has nature therefore made him less for it? 

Pst so despicable a family ? 

Because three Bourbons have been killed in France 1 

Follows it that we must hunt the others down? 



Proscriptions falling thus upon a name, 

A family, a vOtnUm entire class, 

I never did and never will approve." 

Those who do wrong ever should meet justice, 

And, in so far as I have strength it shall, 

And ev^r has been done. But never yet, 

Nor ever shall my power be given 

To strike the innocent for the offense 

Of others. "Canst' punish France for the crimes 

Of the Sans Culottes? You say the Bourbons 

Are the enemies of freedom; they were led 

To the guillotine under a right which 

I do not acknowledge. 

The Duke of Parma 
Is weak— a poltroon — he will not stir — 
His people seem to love him! for we are here 
Yet they they rise not, they utter no complaint. 
He shall continue then to rule as long 
As he does pay what I exact of him. — " 

ENTMB, the astronomer ORIANI, attended by Courtier. 



Courtier. Le Proffesseur Oriani. 

Bonaparte. We are indeed most happy Proffessor 

That you do make one of our guests to day. 

Oriani. "Ah, General this magnificence 

With which you are surrounded, dazzles me" 



Bonaparte. "Can it be such miserable splendors blind 
A man who every night does contemplate 
The far more lofty and impressive glories 
Of the skies?" 
Permit me, Professor, 
To present you to Madame Bonaparte. 

C conducts him to 2nd room. ) 
Madame Bonaparte 
Le Proffesseur Oriani. Present 
Our distinguished friend to the ladies. | 

(returns to front room.) 
"Even Science bends before me! (aside) 



58 



ENTER THE MAEQUIS MANFKEDINI attended 
Courtier. 

Courtier, Le Marquis Manfredini ; Ambassador 
Of the Grand Duke of Tuscany 

Bonaparte. Great honor do we feel In meeting 
The Ambassador of Tuscany. 

The more in that he is 
The Marquis Manfredini. 

Manfredini. Humbly our Grand Duke bows before 

The Greatest Conqueror of Italy, 
The General most excellent of France; 
Sends greeting him a fervent friendship! 
And in sincerity does pray, 
He may find no less fame throughout the world, 
Than he already has so nobly won 
In Italy. Unto his sweet Lady, 
Fit Empress of the throne of Love, he would 
His homage pay as 'twere before the shrine 
Of every heavenly virtue — 
• Only regretting that affairs of State 
Make his own presence here impossible. 

Yet, through his Ambassador, he begs 
You will convey to him your pleasure and 
Intent regarding Tuscany. For, though 
Great confidence he entertains, as for 
Every good and noble quality in 
General Bonaparte, yet before power 
There is always fear in breasts of those who 
Stand so far beneath. He would assurance 
Humbly crave of your-good will. 

Bonaparte. "Signor Marquis, 

You remind me of a certain creditor 
Who once did importune in modest phrase, 
Coupled with great flattery and confidence, 
The Cardinal de Rohan, "when he would 
Be kind enongh to pay him." ' 'My Dear Sir," 
Said the Cardinal, "I pray you do not be 



So very curious."— If your "Grand Duke, 
Will only quiet keep, he will suffer 
Little injury. 

Allow me worthy Marquis to present 
You to the Lady whom you justly praise. 

( escorts him to 2nd room, returns. ) 
Have given out that we transact no more 
Of business to day. {to Eugene.) 

Eugene. The Ambassadors of Venice 
Wait without. 



Bonaparte 



•Josephine. 



Bonaparte. 



"Say that to Venice 
I will an Attila be!" 
Would they hear more, bid them come to-morrow. 

(steps to '2nd room.) 
Now, favor us with a sweet native air 
Of Martinique. (to Josephine.) 

First, pardon me, the great artist, Le Gros, 
Has long been waiting my command, and your 
Good pleasure, for a sitting — you will not 
Force us to wait longer Mon Ami\ 

(All retire to 2nd room but Josephine and Bonaparte.) 

No, no, f.<r so great folly 
I have not the time. No, another day. 



Josephine. But you will not refuse to sit by my side? 

Bonaparte, Ah no, never! 

{He sits by her side— Josephine beckons .to Le Gros, 
ENTER LE GKOS. 

(he commences the portrait.) 
Oh Strategy: 
But I'll not endure it long! 



•Josephine. 
Bonaparte. 

■Josephine. 



Meoooure , 
Would you surrender your position? 

No, no, but this Artist's torment.! 
-Heavens! I'd rather face a cannon's mouth! 



To-morrow, good Le Gross. 



(rises.) 



Another sitting. 



Bonaparte. Only with such a throne 



[exit Le G-ros.] 



ENTER COUKTIEK. 



Courtier. The Princess Augusta 

Requests immediate audience with 
The General and Madame Bonaparte 
And Eugene de Beauharnais, 

Bonaparte. Admit her I 

ENTER AUGUSTA attended by Courtier. 

( Courtier goes to Eugene.) 
Courtier. The Princess Augusta awaits you. 

.( Returns with Eugene. Exit courtier. ) 

Augusta. Was never treason yet more base than this 
That I will now reveal to you. 



Bonaparte. 



Augusta. 



Bonaparte. 



Impart! 

The plot was better laid than did appear 
At tirst, and is in detail somewhat changed 
Since our intelligence in France. Botot 
Is euperstid now by one who is 
More crafty, dangerous, by far. 



Indeed! 



How far has it advanced? 



Augusta. Not yet so far, 

Thanks puce again to Monsieur Botot, 
Or rather to his weakness, but they may 
Be easy ta'en in it. 

Josephine. Nay, we should say 

Thanks to the Princess Augusta. 

Augusta. But most 

Is due to Madame Bonaparte, if we 
Have* time to express our thanks. 

Bonaparte. We are 

Indebted to you both beyond all words. 



01 



Josephine. No, not indebted, for there is no debt 

When what we do is but for those we love. 

Love only proves itself when it has reached 

The last extremity for whom it loves, 

And but receives its own when all is done 

That may be possible. 

—We did succeed in sending the despatch. ( To Augusta.) 

Augusta. Your messenger was apprehended, ta'en. 
No time must now be lost. 



Bonaparte. They have not power, 

No, not were all the world in league with them, 
To harm us. Fate sits supreme o'er all. 
She will protect her son. 

In this they may annoy, 
No more! 
Please call a courtier ! ( to Eugene. ) 

ENTER COUET1ER. 
My Secretaries! {to courtier) 

[exit courtier.'] 
RE-ENTER Courtier with three SECRETARIES. 

[exit conrtier] 
The name of him who supersedes Botot, 
If he is known by it! [to Augusta.] 

Augusta. Not known by his name, 

To whom you may employ. Yet may he be 
Easy apprehended, as Botot's friend 
Wearing a colonels uniform, arrived 
But recently from France with M. Botot. 
Send despatch to General Moreau. 



Bonaparte 
[To 1st 



■3 
Citizen Directors. 

I owe you an open confession, my heart is de- 
pressed and filled with horror, through the constant attacks 
of the Parisian journals. 



[To 2nd Secretary.] 

General Moreau. 

Arrest at once 
these headquarters. 



Monsieur Botot and send to 



[To 1st Secretary.] 

Sold to the enemies of the republic, they rush 
upon me who am boldly defending the republic, 

[To 3rd Secretary.] 

General Joubert, 

Your presence is needed at these headquar- 
ters. 

[To 1st Secretary.] 

"I am keeping the plunder," whilst I am de- 
feating them, "I affect despotism," whilst I speak only 
as general-in-chief; "I assume supreme power," and yet 
I submit to law! Everything I do is turned to crime 
agafnst me; the poison streams over me. 

[To 2nd Secretary.] 

Let him be attended closely but let no vio- 
lence or insult be offered him. 

[To 1st Secretary.] 

Were any one in Italy to dare give utterance 
to the one-thousandth part of these calumnies, I would im- 
pose upon him an awful silence. 



[To 3rd Secretary.] 

haste. 
[To 1st Secretary.] 



Set out at once and travel with all possible 



In Paris, this is allowed to go on unpunished, 
and your tolerance is an encouragement. The Directory 
is thus producing tne impression that it is opposed to me. 
If the Directors suspect me let them say so, and I will 
justify myself. If they are convinced of my uprightness, 
let them defend me. 



[To 2nd Secretary.] 



Treat him indeed, right civilly. 

Bonaparte. 



[To 1st. Secretary.[ 



In this circle of argument, I include the 
Directory with me, and cannot go beyond it. My desire is 



to be useful to my country. Must I for reward drink the 
cup of poison? 

[To 3rd. Secrtary.] 

Bonaparte. 

[To2nd. Secretary.] 

General Moreau. 

Arrest at once and hold in close confinement 
the friend of Botot, who recently arrived with him from 
France, wearing a colonels uniform. 

[To Augusta.] 

Of infantry? 

Augusta. Of infantry. 

Bonaparte. 
[To 2nd. Secretary.] 

Of infantry. 

[To 1st. Secretary. 

I can no longer be satisfied witn empty, eva- 
sive arguments; and if justice is not done to me, then I 
must takeit myself. 

[To 3rd. Secretory] 

General Marmont. 

Arrest at cnce the Abbe Sergi and send to 
these headquarters. 

Bonaparte. 

[To 2nd. Secretary.] 

Bonaparte. 

[To 3rd. Secretary.] 

General Moreau. 

Let no movement of General Pichegru be 
unknown to you. He is plotting with the Bourbons. 

Bonaparte, 

[To 1st. Secretary 

Therefore I am yours. Salutation and broth- 
erly love. 

Bonaparte . 



[To Eugene.] See that these despatches are sent at once. 

This artifice, 
That instigates employment of assassins — 
Let them do their worst! Yet we defy them! 



CUKTAIN FALLS. 



ACT IV. 



SCENE FIRST. 



Drawing Room of Compte de Barras. 



Barras discovered sitting at table, rings. Several female Pages 
answer the call. 

Barras. Perdition catch my soul, 

But you are beautiful! And yet, I have 
Xo time for you to day, my merry birds, 
There is business ahead. 
Stand each of you as sentinel, and see 
That none come nearer than two rooms of me, 
Save messeurs Gohier and Moulins, who will 
Arrive within the hour. — Stay! Stay Marie! 
I had forgot my wine. ( Exeunt Panes.) 

[Re-enter Marie with wine. Exit.'] 
Bonaparte is yet far iu advance, 
In spite of me and mine. He inarches on 
As if the world were his. With cunning spies, 
Sent to his very camp, I have beset him, 
And yet, no clue with which to humble him. 



I strike him through the journals, strike him hard! 
And too, my friends help me to hatch what lies 
We think will be believed, but no avail. 
And, as his victories come heralded, 
T intercept reports and make them less.— 
And yet, by some means, truth will leak, and, through 
The streets, no sound is heard but that same damned, 
Inexorable, worn out yell, 
Vive la Republic? Vive le Bonaparte! 

When first, in the Directory, 1 heard 
These sounds, they filled me with alarm. But now, 
They have become so commonplace, that, I 

Sometimes, from policy, do use them Well, 

More friends have I now in the Directory; 
They now begin to wake ! No more we hear 
"Young Achilles!" — By Jove! he proves to be 
A veritable Achilles, and we, 
Poor specimens of Troy. 

ENTER GOHIER AND MOULLNS. 

{Voices without and cries of Vive La Republic! Vive Le Bona- 
parte!) 

What means this Gohier ? Are tne people mad? 

Gohier. Bonaparte has just arrived, 

And 'twas with difficulty I could.pass 
The street, so great the crowd, all seeing 
Who could loudest cry Vive Le Bonaparte! 
Moulins. And once they had me down 

Yet luckily I did escape no worse 

Than soiled gloves. Ah! Gentlemen, we'll have 

A load off of our backs when he is gone. 

His court at Montebello has 
Not left an impress easily removed. 
Dam'-me! but they made a perfect King 
Of him, and, on his wife more honors heaped 
Than she should have as Empress of the French. 

Gohier. Yes, true! And Venice laid herself 

To more ado than I should ask were I 
Kins? Absolute ! 



Barras. Gentlemen you" forget; 



( ofiering filled glasses. ) 



First pleasure, then business. You know 

I am not bound by musty adages. 

How comes it that he does so soon arrive? 

Gohier. You know he ever unexpected comes; 
'Tis thus he wins his victories. 

Moulins. He'll have a victory here to win, or we! 

Barrets. Well said! Monsieur Moulins. 

Nor can we long delay. This tire new stamp 
Of gloiy which he has, makes him to think 
He can out general the world. Heard you 
His letter, citing us our duty, as concerns 
The journals, which some truths do tell ot him? 
By Jove! He'd dictate terms to heaven, for 
His own reception! 

Gohier. And undertake a battle with the hosts 

Of Michael, an' they did dot cry Vivie Vive! 
I heard of this great document, and think 
It is damned impudent. 

But, gentlemen, 
We must prepare to meet him, now, or else 
He'll meet us an' we are not ready for't. 
1 understand, his next great field of tame 
Is Egypt. 



Barms & Moulins. 



Egypt! 



Gohier. Longs to carve his name 

On the great pyramids of Egypt! 

Barras. We'll let him carve! 

Moulins. Yes, we will let him carve. 

Barras. Monsieur Gohier, 'tis the right place for him. 
Art sure he has this new ambition? 

Gohier. I am quite sure he has so expi-essed it. 

Barras. We'll take him at his word ! Even before 
He has time to repent the thought. 
If he conquer all the East, as he has done 



In Italy, I'll say he can have France! 

Egypt! Ha ha ha! Egypt! 

A health to the campaign in Egypt! 

All. ( drinking. ) E-g.y.p.t ! 

Rarras. But, we must make some demonstration 
To receive this fellow, or the people 
Will suspect us. 

Gohier. Yes, he must be received 

By the Directory, and publicly. 
Harms. Yes! Yes! We too must play 

The toady to this fledging! Was't not enough, 

That all the high potentates and powers, 

Whereunto he did come, should do him homage! 

2s or satisfied, with this, but they must seek 

Him, where e'er he graciously permitted! 

Gods! They did squander gold in heaps upon 

The palace Serbelloni, till he had 

A proper place to show his "Queen," and they 

To kneel to her. All Italy, and the 

High aristocracy of Lornbardy, 

Yied with each other, who should unto him 

Most humble be. Every Italien prince, 

Even the Duke of Tuscany, brother 

Of the Emperor, gave rich festivites 

In honor of this God and Goddess! 

Tiq said the palace Serbelloni, 
And its court, was quite a fair rival for 
The Tuileries. 

Then followed Moutebello, 
Seeking to o'ertop all rivalry. 
And Venice, fco appease him, made his wife 
A veritable Queen! Jove, what magnificence! 
I wonder they made not a bonfire of 
Their town for he; - ! 

Now he comes to Paris, 
Born as worlds conquerer, before the fools 
Who throng the way ! And we must do for him 
The honors of our city, or else lose 
Our place, perhaps our heads. 



69 



Moulins. If we lose not 

Our heads at best, I shall feel satisfied, 

Barras. What! fear you 

This grand tyrant! "We will trip him yet. 
Look you! we will now give him fit applause, 
As circumstances may demand, and I 
Will receive him — Embrace him, if need be. 
That all may see how we do love hin ! 

Then, offer to him a field in Egypt, 
Where he shall do this "carving" of which you speak. 
And if he do return, as now he comes, 
He otber hands must thank than Barra's for't. 

Oohier. Well said, good Barras ! 

And now, once more before we part, we'll drink 

In honor of the Pyramids, where, 

We'll help give this "Prince Bonaparte" 

An Eastern Empire — four feet by six. 

( they drink. ) 

Barras. There's little interest for us without, 

Tarry, and we will test the strength of this 
More thoroughly. 

ENTER A PAGE. 
Page. General Bonaparte and Eugene de Beaharnais. 
ENTER BONAPARTE and EUGENE. 
Bonaparte. We have surprised you gentlemen. 



Barras. 



An honor that we do appreciate 
Beyond our feeble words. 



Gohier & Moulins. 



Most truly! yes. 



Barras. Your absence wore so heavily upon 
Us all, that this reunion is indeed 
A happy one. 



Moulins. 



Yes, happy one. 



Gohier. We did regret that you so soon did take 
Your honored presence from us, General. 



Moulins, 



Yes, we did regret it. 



Barms. Your absence is to us, 

What your presence is uuto the enemy. 
Disaster and defeat. 

Bonaparte. A truce to compliments! 

So, let us to the business of the hour. 
For 'tis for this we called to night. 

Moulins. Business? 

I hope we shall have something lighter 
For to night. 

Bonaparte. Patience, Mousieur! for I have been 
Oh, very, very patient! — 

Barras. We await 

The pleasure of our guest! 

Bonaparte. Nay, upon that 

I am not sensitive, Necessity 
Is law, and courtesy demands no more 
Than this, or, if it does, will ere be found 
A weak competitor. 

Touching the matter 
For our consideration for to night; 
Can Monsieur Barras, or his friend Gohier, 
Or yet Moulins, inform us as to what 
The business was, of Monsieur Botot, 
In Italy, by whom sent, paid by whom ? 

Barras, You are beyond me General. 



Bonaparte. 

Gohier. 

Moulins, 



No doubt. 



And me. 



And me. 



Bonaparte. Beyond you all, no doubt. 

But come, to the purpose ! 

Barras. To what purpose? 

Bonaparte. To no purpose, it would appear, unless 

You are more direct. Come now, the question! 



Bar r as. 
Bonaparte. 



What question? 



Touching Monsieur Botot. 



Barras. Ah, since you have reminded me, 1 think 
The Government did send Monsieur Botot 
Upon some secret service. 

Moultns. Yes, you'r right. 

Bonaparte. The Government? What department of it? 

Barras. What else, but the Directory? 

Bonoparte. Indeed! 

What members of it? Come, impart! 

Barras. We do not' catch your meaning. 

Bonaparte. Nor me— 

Ther's something quite remarkable in this! 
Perhaps then one of you may tell the how, 
And why, Monsieur Barras did come to be 
In secret council with a Chouan chiet, 
But two days past, whom he did entertain 
Right royally, as more befits a Prince? 
Or, if your ignorance in this shall prove, 
As in the matter of Monsieur Botot, 
— Since ignorance becomes proverbial 
Sometimes and follows in unbroken chain, 
As doth the matter called in evidence — 
You may refresh your minds with this and this, 
And tell me, what you think would be the fate, 
Should be the fate, of those base intriguers 
Who offered to siipply the means, by which, 
The General of France in person, should 
Be placed within the power of Beaulieu? 

Barras. For the reports our enemies do make 
We are not responsible. Of this 
Of wbich you speak we are most ignorant. 

Bonaparte. Answer you for all? So, I understand you. 
— The secret service of Monsieur Botot, 
And other secret service of the kind, 



Are known as well to me as the base hearts 
"Who did employ in it. The potent means 
By which I have been thoroughly intormed, 
Tell me of secret conclaves, dark designs, 
And weak schemes numberless, to overthro\ 
My power, yet all have fallen harmless, 
As all must fall who are opposed to me. 

Barms. "What we could do we have done to expose 
These villians. 



Gohier, 



Yes, we have done our best, 
To circumvent them, here, and everywhere. 



Moulins. Indeed we have, you are quite right, we have. 

Bonaparte. Can it be possible? "Why, Beauharnais, 
Look you upon these men! Duplicity 
Ne'er had a name till now! Oh precious knaves! 
But see! their faces like as ours do bear 
The stamp of immortality ! — How calm ! 
Was ever innocence protected by 
More placid mien?--- And yet these are the same, 
The self same traitors, who sat in council, 
Less than an hour ago, to ruin me. 
This is that same Barras who did embrace 
And fawn upon me when I did return. 
And these, his creatures weak, but pliable. 

Barras Beware ! The voice of the Directory, 

The great Directory of France, rests in 

The three you have accused — Look well to it! 

Bonaparte. "What! Threat you me before my very face? 
"Why, here is now assurance worth a cause ! 
"Beware!" — Ye gods! "What impudence! 
'•Beware!" Why, Beauharnais, this is a feast 
Beyond comparison ! 

"When neath the shadow of the Pyramids, 
"We'll have this to reiresh us, this "Beware!" 

Barras. We've had at least enough of this! 

Eugene {drawing) That's easy proved- (Barras draws) 



Bonaparte ( to Eugene. ) 

What! And would you put yourself 
Against such carrion? Shame upon you! 
Austria would refuse to cross your sword 
Wearing such blood upon it. 

Hear me now! {to directors) 
Ye miserable hangers on of time! 
Ye would be such arch conspirators, but that 
Ye lack conception for't — 

The affairs of State, 
Wherein fair genius and the shrewdest wins, 
I leave you as before, open unto 
All competitors. Malign as you will, 
Join all the arts of Mephistopheles 
Unto your own, Lo, I defy you! 
Tis not within the power of man to harm me. 
But if I trace to you a word, or look, 
Or aught in any way reflecting on 
The fair name of my family, now hear! 
By the Great God, I swear, I'll visit you 
With vengeance swift as my wrath ! 
So, farewell! 

[Exit Eugene and Bonaparte.} 

Barras. Think you that Carbon and St, Eegent could 
Be ready within the hour? 

Gohier. Let us confer 

With them. 

Barms. Ho, now, away ! To horse ! To horse! 
By every god I swear I will not sleep 
Till he is done for ! 

[Exeunt.] 



SCENE SECOND. 



[Private Parlors of M'me Bonaparte. 



{Josephine discovered.) 

Oh God! What feeling is't 
To be accused by one so dearly loved! 
How I did fly to meet him, and alas! 
Only to miss him on the way. He came 
And found the house all desolate! and then 
Believed he all that calumny had spoke 
Of me, believed me false to him, oh heaven! 
' He will not see me, two days have gone 
And yet he spurns my presence ! Must I die, 
And without his love? Worse, suspected 
Of unfaithfulness! Of base betrayal 
Of my virtue! 'Tis too much! Oh too much! 
Oh God too much! 

Yet, yet I forgive thee ! 
For those thou hadst for friends did tell it thee — 
Those nearest thee by blood. And too thou found'st 
Thy house all dark and comfortless! With none 
To welcome thee, not One! Nor wife, nor child 
For which thou hast longed ! No ! No ! Not one ! 
Thou didst anticipate thy pleasure ere 
Thou cam'st — A wife, to rush into thine arms 
With thousand burning kisses and embrace, 
Ere thou hadst reached the city's gates. Aud yet 
Didst pass from street to street, still no wife's form 
Did rise above the throng. — Then on thou pressed, 
Unto thine house; rushed through the halls, each room 



75 



Bonaparte. 



All through and through, and still no wife was there! 
" Where, Where is Josephine?" the answer, 
"At the the banquet" — "Knew she of my coming?" 
"In her presence twas announced." "God! Oh God! 
Tistrue! She's false!" 

Plead for me Angels! 
Oh heaven defend me, ere I shall go mad ! 

ENTER BONAPAKTE. 
Josephine! 



Josephine. 



Mon Ami! 



(Falling into his arms.) 



76 



SCENE THIED. 

Jl Street in Paris. 

(Barras and Gohier discovered.) 
Barms. Is all ready? 

Gohier. Waiting but his coming. 

Barras . Then shall we see 

If that his goddess will protect him now- 
Carbon and St. Rejeant, are they paid? 



Gohier. 


Not till the work is done. 


Barras. 


That is well thought. 




Who will apply the fuse ? 


Gohier. 


St. Rejeant's se 


Barras. 


The place? 


Gohier. 


The Rue St. Nicaise. 



Barras. Can they fail? 

Gohier. I hardly think it possible, as they, 
Carbon and Limoelan, will watch 
The progress ot the Consul's carriage 
As it shallleave the Tuileries, until 
The time to give the signal to St. Rejeant. 

Barras. Let us then begone ! The hour approaches 
And we must not be seen. 

[As they go off the stage, a rumbling noise is heard, followed 
by the appearance of the guard and carriage of Bonaparte. 

The Scene then changes to the Rue St . Nicaise, lohvre a cart 
is discovered with the infernal machine in it. A little girl holding 
the horse and St, Rejeant off at one side. 

The carriage passes. After which an explosion. Scene 
changes back, the carriage jiasses safely. ,] 



RE-ENTER GOHIER & BARRAS. 

He did escape us, 
Barras. But all the powers of hell shall not save him! 
God, how his words do rankle yet in me ! 
2sow to our wits, and the new enterprise. 
We'll find no time for leisure from this out. 
Monsieur Gohier, art certain of your chief? 
These Chouans are as dangerous as they 
Are desperate. 

Gohier. Fear not! I know my man. 

Besides our gold, he's wedded to our cause 

Through an old grudge against the General. 

Such men forget offences only when 

They are revenged. Seemed he not ready 

"When you spoke to him ? 
Barras. Too much so, I thought. 

The fellow had his plans all quite matured. 

He was too zealous. Plans so well defined 

Suggested to my mind, a counter plot, 

Having its origin in subtler brains 

T'.\an his. 
Gohier. Oh, never fear! I know him well. 

Trust to my judgment in this matter 

And he will requite us all. 
Barras. Why, he did know 

The very day on which our Gorges came. 

And Biville clift" was as well known to him 

As my chateau to me. 

Gohier. Most certain 'tis, 

And every dangerous path 
Between Deippe and Treport, he does know as well 

Barras. He saw the very cable, from the cliff 

Decending through the cleft unto the sea; 
Saw Georges sieze it., and then, by its aid, 
Climb up the precipice, Then in their turn 
Each of his followers. 



Gohier. 



Why should he not? 
Since he of that same passage has, for years, 



Been a most constant warder. 

Barras. Can it be? 

Why did you not impart all this before? 

Gohicr. Matters of graver moment took its place. 
What says tlie general Pichegru, 
Touching Moreau? 

liarras. He finds him more ready 

Than pliable. 

Gohier. I do not understand. 

Barras. Moreau shuffles cuts and deals for Moreau. 

Gohier. What, stands he not with us? 

Barras. Only so far 

As we do stand with him. In his own glass, 
Fondly presuming that it is the world, 
He gazes steadily; Seeing himself, 
Himself alone, and cannot understand 
Why this great central figure stands not out 
In bold relief to ethers as himself. 
Another meeting is appointed now, 
With George's, at his safe retreat, Chaillot. 
Tis hoped to bring about an understanding. 
But poor Riviere is driven to despair, 
And talks but of the apathy of France. 

Gohier. He lacks in courage and tenacity. 

Wer't not for Madame Bonaparte, I'd chance 

A fortune on our quick success. But she 

Has all the eyes of Paris after us, 

And for herself I think she never sleeps. 

But see, the dawn already is upon us! 

We mu st be gone . ( Exeunt. ) 

( Enter from one side a citizen from the other several citizens) 
1st. Citizen. Vive La Consulate! Vive Le Bonaparte! 

2nd. Citizen. What now fills you so full good friend? What news? 

1st. Citizen. Bonaparte is made of France First Consul 

And for life! Vive! Vive! Vive La Consulate! 



TO 



All. Vive La Consulate! Vive Le Bonaparte! 

2nd. Citizen. But this sudden change, 

Tell .us how came it. 

1st. Citizen. • Even as he wins, 

By strategy! But more anon. Enough 
To know he has o'erthrown his enemies 
In the Directory and Consulate! 

2nd. Citizen. And too the enemies of all, and of France. 

1st. Citizen, {singing.) He will give us peace and plenty, Vive! Vive! 

All ( Singing. ) Vive Le Bonaparte ! 

He will make smile the land of Prance! 
Vive Le Bonaparte! Vive Le Bonaparte! 

[Exeunt Singing. \ 



SCENE FOURTH. 



The Council of the Five -Hundred. 



LUCIEN BONAPARTE {Presiding.) 



{Confusion.) 

Gohier Citizen President; 

We must a new election hold at once. 
There hangs no less upon it than the fate 
Of the Republic- 



Is* Member. 



Such haste but shows 



>ase cowardice! 



2nd Member. Shame! Shame! 

( Cheers on the Bight. ) 
3rd Member. Such language is 

An insult to the Council! 

( Cheers on the Left. ) 
The President. This must cease, 

Or we will end in an arch y. 

Gohier. I rise to ask if the member's charge, 
Of cowardice, means to apply to men 
Or measures? 



1st Member 
Gohier 



To both ! 



Then I hurl it back 
And challenge to a test! 

{Great Confusion.) 
Barrels. This is madness! 

Are we devoid of reason ? Hear, oh hear ! 



Who is to profit by this senseless strife? 

The Great Republic? No. Nor you, nor I, 

Nor either ot these factions ! Such a course 

Can only end in the destruction 

Of us all! Who seeks the good of this, our France! 

1st Member. Not Barras ! 

3rd Member. Shame ! Shame ! 

1st Member. Conspirator! 

Behold the arch consprator! 

Voices. Conspirator! 

1st Member. Tell us of Georges, and the Chouans, 

Whom you employed to do the murder of 
Our Bonaparte ! 

Barras. I ask again, 

Who seeks the good of this our France ? Let him 
Propose a sacrifice that he will make, 
And I will clasp his hand and go with him 
To his extremest measure, even life! 
What then, are we through passion to lose all? 
In this extremity, we are but ripe 
For anarchy. Ho, Patriots! would you feel 
The Despot's iron yoke upon your necks? 
The Usurper comes by stealthy strides, 
And even now is at our gates ! 
ENTER NAPOLEON AND EUGENE. 
See! See! 
Even at my word he comes ! Away with him ! 

drd Member. Down with him ! 

Another Member. He is a traitor ! 

Another Member. Cromwell ! 

Several Voices. Down with the Usurper! 

Bonaparte. Citizens, hear me ! 

Voices. Down with him! Traitor! Traitor! Usurper! 



Bonaparte. Will you not hear me ? 

Voices. No! No! Down with him! 

(They rush towards him. Eugene has signaled the Grenadiers at 
the door, who surround him.) 

A Voice. Down with the Usurper! 

He brings soldiers to overawe us! 
Bonaparte. "Who Loves me, let him follow me ! 

{Marches out guarded by Grenadiers. Shouts without — Vive le 
Bonaparte.) 

Bonaparte. — [At the door] Protect 

The President of The Five Hundred! 

(Soldiers with Eugene at their head march in and escort the 
President out. Confusion.) 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



AOTV. 



SCENE FIRST. 



THE OOIRO^T^TIOIIsr. 



Pantomime. 

Upon the opening of this scene is discovered the interior 
of Notre Dame, decorated ivith uneqioaled magnificence-- 
Hangings of white velvet, sprinkled ivith golden bees, sus- 
pended from, the roof to the floor — The roof of beautiful 
azure and brilliant stars. 

Th e throne of the Emperor and Empress represents a 
monument within a monument, betiveen two columns, sup- 
porting a pediment upon which is a representation of the 
croivn of Charlemange. 

This throne has drapery of crimson velvet under a can- 
opy. Is reached by semi-circular steps, carpeted in white, 
spangled with golden bees. 

On the left is seen the throne designed for the Pope, with 
drapei-y of white velvet, over which, a pediment supporting 
a diamond cross. 

Directly in front of either throne, in the centre of the 
stage, is the altar, of white velvet, on which is seen the Scep- 
ter*, the Sword and the Imperial crowns. 

The Prelates are discovered on either side of the throne 
intended for the Pope. The Bonaparte family, on either side 
of the throne of the Emperor and Empress. 

At the right dignitaries of state. 



Enter POPE PIUS VII. 
Arrayed in white, he approaches the altar— kneels, then 
ascends his throne. 

The Prelates approach and salute him 

ENTER NAPOLEON and JOSEPHINE. 

They approach the altar and kneel— Pope descends 
iyom his throne, comes to altar, holds his hands over them in 
blessing. 

Napoleon raises his head and is annointed by Pope on 
forehead, arms, and hands. Pope then takes sword— Napol- 
eon rises' 'Pop6 holds sword as if blessing then girds on Na- 
poleon. The it offers to take crown, but Napoleon quickly 
reaches it himself and deliberately places it upon his own 
head. He then takes the crown of the Empress, and, as she 
is still kneeling beside him, places it gently on her head, 
then raises it and replaces it coquettishly to one side. Then 
taking her by the hand she arises 

The Pope then blesses scepter and gives to Napoleon. 

The Emperor and, Empress ascend their throne. 

The Pope then advances to the foot of the Grand Throne 
and raises his hands in benenediction. 



85 



SCENE SECOND. 



PALACE IMPERIAL. 

THE EMPEKOK'S PRIVATE PARLORS 
DIMLY ILLUMINATED. 

Napoleon. Thus far has Fate the firm alliance kept. 

Thus far through scenes ot fratricidal strife, 
And bloody, devastating, frightful war, 
From conquering to conquer, led her son. 
Till now great France and all her power, lands, 
Rivers, seas, immensity of wealth, 
And teemingmillions of brave chivalry, 
Are but the subjects of his scepters sway! 
But, oh, great Goddess! at what price is this! 
Unto that last, dark, dismal sleep, thou'st sent 
Unnumbered hecatombs of human forms, 
From which to raise this sad renown ! 
The sighs, the tears, the anguish of despair, 
The body's torture, and the soul's defeat. 
The wailing millions of a world attest! 
Oh, Goddess! Who can measure that great cup, 
Wherein has been contained the sorrow's depth, 
Which thou hast forced the world to drink for him ? 
•Eternity alone!! 

And soon there will come, even for thy son, 
. The end that is decreed for all. To sleep 
That long last sleep, which goes forever on, 
Without a dream ! Goddess where then thy son? 
On whom shall the Imperial mantle fall? 
Childless, thou leavest him to reign alone! 
Across the dark abyss of death, no tie! — • 
Canst' bridge the awful chasm? — Oh! No! No! 



Josephine. 



I will not cross on it ! ! Oh, Josephine ! ! 
— I did defy 
Your power for her! Is this the penalty, 
My fruitless loins? — I did defy, and, lo! 
I do defy you still! I will not pay 
Ambitions price! It is too dear! too dear! 
No! No! I will not pay ambitions price! 
Josephine! My Josephine! Oh save me! 
Save me! 

{enter Josephine ; he rushes to and embraces her 
Here ! Oh, here is my ambition ! 
My peerless ! peerless wife ! 

Dids't thou call me? 
Wherefore Avith voice so wild and sorrowful? 



Bonaparte. A hell of ugly dreams environed me! 
Thou wilt not leave me? 



Why such a question/ 
My noble one, knowest thou not my love? 
Oh I do love the beyond worlds! 



Bonaparte. Yes ! Yes ! 

My own! My precious one! Lead me away. 
I would have rest. 



[Exeunt.] 



BE-ENTMB, JOSEPHINE. 

Josephine. Ah, he has struggled hard 'gainst Fate, 
And I forgive him, though lie cast me oil". 
How, by each slender thread, we cling to hope, 
Only, at last, to meet a sad defeat! 
When he did constitute, his heir 
Apparent to the throne, his brother's child 
By Sweet Hortense, the crown prince of Holland — 
Then, on bright wings of hope, I sailed, at rest, 
Serenely through love's sky. But, ah! Alas! 
Death claimed him for his own ! And, from hopes heights, 
I fell on craggy disappointment, bruised 
Even unto the heart. 

Then named he Eugene ''Italy's vice King," 
And added to his name, "our crown's great heir." 
Then! Oh, then this golden chain, let down 
From heaven, lifted me, once more 
Unto the dizzy realms above the clouds! 
But ah, by one word, severed was this chord, 
And now I lie. bleeding upon the earth, 
"Where all that's left is dreadful fear! Waiting, 
But without hope, for what shall come.. 

Still! Still he loves me! 
Loves me beyond his soul ! But oh, thou Fate ! 
Imagination's Goddess! Bound him 
Thou exerci'st a charm more strong, by tar, 
Than Josephine ! Ambitions appetite 
Thou whet'st, with base deceiving promises 
And threatening forms, as of command, until 
Thou seern'st indeed a veritable power! 
Oh finite mind how incomplete art thou! 
Help me to be resigned, sweet heaven! 
And ye who dwell around the throne, sublime, 
Eternal, of the King of Kings, look down 
On wretched Josephine! Then plead with Him, 
Who is your Sovereign Lord, that she may have 
That peace which He alone can give ! 
No! No! It cannot be! I cannot lose thee! 
Give thee unto another ! ! Oh Monstrous ! ! 

Monstrous ! ! 

[exit.] 



RE-ENTER NAPOLEON. 

He sits at table. 
( Paper and 'writing materials before him. ) 
Takes up pen to write. — The pen drops from his hand. 

Napoleon. Thou woulds't not tremble so 

To sign thy death warrant! The arm of Fate, 
The hand that holds the destiny of France, 
Should bear a steadier nerve. 

Ah, thou has shown thy loyalty 
To Josephine ! 

Now, what thou owest to France! 

( Writes.) 
(Jiising.) 'Tisdone! Oh, Goddess! 

I have paid the price ! ! 

{Exit.) 



SCENE THIRD. 

EMPEROR'S CABINET. 
JOSEPHINE is discovered attended by Augusta and Hortense. 

ENTER NAPOLEON 

Attended by Eugene, the King and Queen of Naples, the King and 
Queen of Westphalia, the Princess Borghese, the Chancellor Cam- 
baceres and Count liegnaud de Saint Jean d' Angel. The two lat- 
ter asofficiers de Vetat civil for the Imperial family. 

Napoleon advances to Josephine, speaks to her. She comes 
dotvn the stage, supported by Augusta and H or tense- 
Napoleon. {Heads.) 

" My Cousin Prince Arch-Chancellor: — I sent yon a closed letter of 
this day's date, ordering you to present yourself in my cabinet, that I 
might make known to you the resolution which 1 and the Empress, my 
very dear spouse, have come to. 1 was very glad that the kings, queens, 
and princesses, my brothers and sisters, my brothers-in-law and sisters 
in-law, my step-daughter and stei>-son, become my adopted son, should be 
present at what I had to make known to you. 

" The policy of my monarchy, the interest and the necessity of my 
peoples, Av ! .\ich have constantly guided all my actions, require that I 
should leave after me to children, inheritors of my love for my people, this 
throne on which Providence has placed me. For many years, however, I 
have lost the hope of having children by my marriage with my well-belov- 
ed spouse, the Empress Josephine; this it is that induces me to sacrifice 
the dearest affections of my heart, to hearken only to the good of the 
state, and desire the dissolution of our marriage. 

" Arrived at the age of forty, 1 may concieve the hope of living long 
enough to bring up after my own mind and my own views, the children it 
shall please Providence to give me. G-od knows how much such a resolu- 
tion has cost my heart; but there is no sacrifice too great for my courage, 
when it is demonstrated tome that it is for the good of Prance. 

"•I cannot conclude without saying, that far from having ever had 
reason to complain, 1 have, on the contrary, only ecomiums to bestow on 
the attachment and tenderness of my well-beloved spouse. She has em- 
bellished fifteen years of my life; the memory of this will always remain 
engraved on the memory of my heart. She has beeu crowned by my hand: 
it is my desire that she retain the rank and title of Empress, but above 
all, that she never doubt my sentiments, and that she always hold me for 
her best and dearest friend." 



Josephine. (Heads.) 

"With the permission — 

( Hands MS. to M. Regnaud. ) 
M. Iiegnaud. (Reads.) 

" With the permission of * august and clear spouse, 1 must declare, 
that retaining no hope of having children who may satisfy the require- 
ments of his policy and the interests of France, I have pleasure in giving 
him the greatest proof of attachment and devotedness that was ever given 
on earth. 1 owe all to his bounty; it was his hand that crowned me, and 
on his throne I have received only manifestations of affection and love 
from the French people. 

"I think to evince my gratitude for all these sentiments, in consenting 
to the dissolution of a marriage which is now an ohstacle to the good of 
France, which deprives it of the happiness of being one day governed by 
the descendants of a great man, so evidently raised up by Providence to 
efface the evils ot a terrible revolution, and to re-establish the altar, the 
throne, and social order. But the dissolution of my marriage will make 
no change in the sentiments of my heart; in me, the Emperor will always 
have his best friend. I know how much this act, commanded by policy, 
and by such great interests, has rent his heart; but we both of us glory 
n the sacrifice which me make to the good of the country." 

(Josephine falls.) 
Napoleon, with folded arms, regarding her. 

Josephine. At last! At last! 

Tne end has come. And now I pass beyond 
Those scenes where, with our happiness, ever 
Must be intertwined grief's bitter stings. 

Now! Now those visions of my youth 
No longer are concealed. Time's hand hath traced 
In living letters all. 

Swiftly they speed 
Before me, one by one — and now return, 
In lite like form, to tell met>f the past. 
—Yes, more than Queen wast thou, Oh, Josephine! 
—What? What:'' My hammock! Mary's voice!— The Sea! 
The Sea ! 

— Was't even so? How true to history.— 
Speed ! Speed ! My eyes do weaken— Oh, I would 
See all ere I depart. 

Tisgone! Tisgone!— 



Again they come! But different forms — 
The future! Ah, the future! Oh, tell on! 
—Confusion— war— once more a throne! 
[Aparition of Louis Napoleon.] 

Hortense! 
Hortense, behold your son! 

[Aparition of Napoleon I V.] 

And his! And his! 
The Fourth Napoleon! 

Great France! At last your happiness has come. 
— Part, part your elements, etherial dome! 
Bright Angels, it is finished ! Bear me home. 
Farewell, oh earth! Farewell Napoleon! 

[Dies.] 

All withdraw except Eugene, Aiujusta and Hortense, who fall on their 
knees by the side of Josephine. Napoleon, as before, silently regarding her. 

As Josephine's last words are concluded, THE ISLAND 
OF ST. HELENA is disclosed, against which the waves 
are dashing, enveloped in clouds. The clouds are lifted, 
when, the grave of Napoleon is discovered, THE SPIRIT 
OF THE DEPARTED JOSEPHINE hovering over it. 



[CURTAN FALLS. 



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